Like other sectors, the sports industry too has suffered because of the pandemic. There is no certainty regarding when and how matches and leagues will be resumed. The Indian Premier League 2020 which was earlier supposed to take place in March has been postponed indefinitely.
Which is why a humble cobbler who worked for Chennai Super Kings has been rendered penniless as the IPL was his only proper source of income. According to a report by The Indian Express, R Bhaskaran, who has been CSK’s official cobbler for 12 years, complained of having difficulty in making ends meet.
“I got Rs 1,000 per match and CSK players took good care of me. At the end of the season, players and coaches would pool in and hand it over to me. Last year, I got around Rs 25,000, apart from what Dhoni gave me separately,” R Bhaskaran was quoted saying.
After coming across the reports, Irfan Pathan reached out to help the poor man. He got in touch with ESPN broadcaster Raunak Kapoor and asked for R Bhaskharan’s number. The then persistently tried getting in touch with the man and finally, when he did so, he gave him Rs 25,000 to ease his financial distress.
Raunak Kapoor took to Twitter to narrate the entire incident. He highlighted how Irfan Pathan didn’t want people to know about his good deed. Here’s what he wrote:
Have a look at Raunak Kapoor’s tweet here:
With very little about humanity & acts of kindness to cheer you up these days, @IrfanPathan redeems some hope. pic.twitter.com/0PyPKtmhjC
— Raunak Kapoor (@RaunakRK) June 15, 2020
People on the internet are lauding Irfan Pathan for his kind gesture. Many called him an inspiration and said that the world needs more people like him. Have a look:
The best part is Irfan didn't want his name to be mentioned. He is magnanimous.
— Venkata Krishna B (@venkatatweets) June 15, 2020
Yes! He reiterated that when I just told him I’m putting this out, with or without his permission.
— Raunak Kapoor (@RaunakRK) June 15, 2020
Special stuff @IrfanPathan . Well done and to many more such small deeds of generosity from everyone. Sweet of you @RaunakRK to bring up to light such positive stuff as well during these grim times https://t.co/YFq1KJliIL
— DK (@DineshKarthik) June 15, 2020
Thank you so much, Irfan. You’re an inspiration.
— Shashank Kishore (@captainshanky) June 15, 2020
Irfan, what a hero
Then, now and forever
❤— North Stand Gang – Wankhede (@NorthStandGang) June 15, 2020
I like Irfan more than any other cricketer.
— Aditya Mookerjee (@AdityaMookerjee) June 15, 2020
Still believe in God in the face of Irfan. What a gesture and God Bless him.
— sundaram (@sundara08061407) June 15, 2020
Wow Humanity level 💯❤💥💥💥
— ajay (@ajayboss1993) June 15, 2020
Proud of you @IrfanPathan ❤. Need more people like you.
— Jayesh😎 (@jayeshvk16) June 15, 2020
Kudos to Irfan Pathan for coming to the aid of the poor man! It is only through kindness that we, as a human race, will get through this difficult time.