IPL 2020: Teams pay tribute to UAE frontline workers

As the UAE edition of the Indian Premier League 2020 is set to crown a winner on Tuesday, teams have paid a special tribute to the frontline heroes for their relentless services in ensuring success of a surreal tournament.

Delhi Capitals gifted team jerseys to the medical staff with their names imprinted on it and Chennai Super Kings presented jerseys signed by skipper MS Dhoni and others. The UAE-based VPS Healthcare — the official medical partner — conducted Covid-19 tests and were responsible for end-to-end medical solutions.

Someone like Samini K Sasi, a staff nurse at VPS Healthcare, was taken by surprise when Delhi star Shikhar Dhawan presented her a jersey with her name. Samini has been collecting the Covid-19 samples of the Delhi players since they arrived on August 21. Over the past weeks, she has developed a good relationship with them. But it never occurred to her that the team would surprise with such a memorable gift.

“I am extremely happy. I didn’t expect this at all,” said an overjoyed Samini after getting the jersey from Dhawan. Fawas Kaimle, an admin staff member, also got a jersey.

“I went into the room as usual in my PPE. Fawas was with me. The players came one after the other and greeted us. Shikhar gifted us with the jersey. It took me some time to realise what was happening. It is one of the most beautiful memories I have had. I will cherish this throughout my life. Shikhar is one of my favourite players, and that he has gifted me the jersey makes it even more special,” she said.

It was a dream come true moment as Delhi coach Ricky Ponting and others posed for photos with them.

Similarly, staff nurse Richve Dema Ala and admin staff member Sujit Nair were stunned after getting signed jersey from the players of Chennai Super Kings.

“I do not have words to express my happiness. I was super excited since being selected for the IPL duty. I dreamt of meeting MS Dhoni and was amazed to see how humble and gentle he was. I had planned to ask for an autograph. I had thought of asking for it on the last day. But much before, the team has surprised me with this exceptional gift,” said Richve.

The medical team at VPS Healthcare has been providing Covid-19 solutions since the first team arrived. The healthcare group has 25 teams comprising 100 members to collect the samples. The Covid-19 testing will continue until the final team and stakeholders depart from the UAE.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi