The game rallies to help its families

Flanked by Ramnath Parkar’s children Nikhil and Suchitra, Kim was highly appreciative of the gesture shown by the cricketers. “Initially, when I learnt about the event, I was shocked. I thought it was terrific toenvisage such an event for the benefit of cricketers. I was very touched.”

Kim confessed to remembering Raman while watching the match last evening in the company of the cricketers’ wives. “I did feel sad … I could appreciate their feelings and I enjoyed it on my husband’s behalf.”

She expressed her sympathies to the family members of Ramnath Parkar, who has been in a coma since the past three years after a road accident. “I can really feel for the family as Raman too was in such a state for a brief period. It is terrible. I hope he recovers soon.”

Suchitra Parkar, who alongwith brother Nikhil witnessed the proceedings, said, “Daddy is getting better. He knows that a match is being held for him.”

Besides cheques of Rs 20 lakh each presented to the Lamba and Parkar families, the Indian team came up with a fine gesture by handing their appearance money (each member received Rs 25,000) to the two families. Sachin Tendulkar (Rs 21,000), Krishnamachari Srikkanth and Sadagoppan Ramesh (Rs 11,000each), who were adjudged man of the match, best batsman and best bowler respectively followed suit by handing their cheques to the families.