Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar had made a suggestion of conducting an India v Pakistan ODI series to raise funds for the ongoing fight against COVID-19.

A few cricketers have already shut down the idea of holding a cricket match before the lockdown restrictions are uplifted and the country is declared Coronavirus-free.

Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is also of the opinion that there are many other ways to raise funds to fight COVID-19 and claimed that he isn’t even thinking of the game at the moment.

Harbhajan told IANS, “See cricket is the last thing on my mind at the moment. I am not even thinking about it. There are other way to raise funds. It is not necessary to hold a cricket match. I don’t think anyone should think about sports and cricket at this hour. These are small things. Lives are at stake ... understand that.”

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“Yes, cricket has given us everything. Whatever I am today is because of cricket. But this is not the time to discuss cricket. I would like to talk about how we can help people,” he added.

The 39-year-old also said that it will not make such a big difference if the fans and cricketers miss out on one IPL season or even a T20 World Cup looking at the bigger picture. He also believes that the virus has made people realize that they have been taking a lot of things for granted and they need to value it more.

He said, “One IPL, one World Cup ... what difference will it make if it does not happen this year? But if these things go on, our lives will be finished. I know I am not in my 20s anymore but even if I was ... I would have said the same thing.”

“We have been taking everything for granted. But this (COVID-19) has taught us to be thankful for all small things. We also used to take our health for granted. What are you going to do with your money, car, house if you are not healthy? We have to respect that,” he concluded.

(With inputs from IANS)