Dhoni, Rahane, Laxman contribute to auction for cancer-afflicted football fans

TWO DEDICATED FANS who gained widespread acclaim for their passion for football that two of the most bitter arch-rivals came together to help them when they were diagnosed with cancer, have also inspired cricketers to jump into the fray and help them in this battle.

Mohun Bagan fan Bapi Majhi and East Bengal fan Alip Chakraborty have long been popular in the Maidan for their unparalleled dedication towards the clubs they loved. But last year when they were both diagnosed with cancer, players, coaches and officials from both clubs came together to raise funds so they could receive adequate treatment.

Earlier this month, one of them lost the battle. Alip Chakraborty passed away, and his loss was mourned by football fans all over the city, regardless of which club they supported. But the fight is not over, now cricketers are stepping in to raise the expenses for Bapi Majhi's treatment and help out the ate Alip's family.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, India's captain in limited over cricket, has provided his pads and wicket-keeping gloves to be auctioned off in an event organised by XtraTime. The same event will see one of Ajinkya Rahane's Team India jerseys, Brad Hogg and Manish Pandey's KKR shirts and VVS Laxman's SRH practice jersey.

The amount raised will be given to Bapi Majhi well as the wife and son of the late Alip Chakraborty. This event is a rare scenario where cricketers, footballers and football clubs have come together for a humanitarian cause, to reach out and help some sports fans - who stayed ever faithful to their clubs in good times and bad - in their hour of need.