Mushfiqur Rahim to auction his bat for COVID-19 relief efforts

Mushfiqur Rahim has decided to auction the bat with which he struck Bangladesh's first double century in Test cricket back in 2013.

The proceeds of the auction will be donated to the relief efforts in the country to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Mushfiqur starred with a historic double ton in Galle Test against Sri Lanka seven years ago when he led from the front to punish the opposition bowlers.

"I am going to put the bat I used to hit my first 200 up for auction. I am thinking of auctioning it digitally. Let's see what arrangements can be made," he was quoted as saying by Daily Star.

"I will request everyone who can manage to come to the auction and bid a high price. The money is going to be used fully to help out the needy. I am asking everyone to raise the price as much as possible."

Mushfiqur's initiative is one of the several undertaken by members of the cricket fraternity to help the underprivileged section of society most affected by the nationwide lockdowns imposed across different parts of the globe.

England wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler raised over £65,000 in the auction arranged for the jersey he wore during his side's maiden World Cup triumph at Lord's last year.