IndiaCSR News Network
Kings XI Punjab, a part of the eight competing teams promoted by Indian Premier League (IPL), is a community driven team. Since its inception, the franchise has not only aimed to play good cricket but also endeavored towards contributing to the society in order to make it a better place to live in.
The franchise gives as much weightage to positively impacting the community as it does to its on field performances. Keeping this objective in mind, Kings XI Punjab has consciously associated with various NGO’s at different intervals to promote causes that need attention from helping underprivileged children in the catchment area to collaborating with organizations that work towards uplifting the tribal community in Orissa as well as spreading awareness on Child Immunization.
As a part of these initiatives, the entire team was seen wearing blue bands wrist-bands marked ‘shot4life’ to build awareness about the importance of immunization, which can save lives of over 14 lakh children every year in India, who do not live to see their fifth birthday. Children from the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences were invited to watch the IPL games in Cuttack and were a part of motivational speeches and interactive sessions with the team.
In light of the same, the team associated with Smile Foundation, a national level development organization to address and bring to light issues of girl child education and drug abuse. Not only did the team advocate these issues by addressing the media and speaking on them, they also went on ground and organized events for creating awareness and raise funds for such note-worthy causes.
Staying true to their belief of being a socially responsible team, Kings XI Punjab did not shy away from urging people to vote during elections, given the low turnout at polling booths. The players, coach, etc rigorously appealed to the masses to go out and exercise their right to vote in order to create a better India.
On the lighter side, the players have often been witnessed indulging in fun activities like dance and cook off sessions with under privileged kids, just to bring a smile on their faces and motivate them towards working for a better future.
Apart from this, in order to promote talent at a grass root level, the franchise has in the past years organized the Kings Cup. The tournament aims at giving a platform to budding players to showcase their talent and further hone their skills by getting proper guidance from the experienced supporting staff. The initiative has helped many youngsters in making a place for themselves in the mainstream and realizing their dream of playing professional cricket.
Right from supporting staff, players, management to promoters, every member shares the common sentiment of making the world a better place to live in and therefore whole heartedly supports the team’s social responsibility endeavors.
Kings XI Punjab has through various initiatives and approaches, tried to give back to the society and community they live in. They firmly believe that every little act counts and therefore work consistently to make a real difference!
