Debasis Sen, London: Absconding business tycoon Vijay Mallya was one of the attendees in the fund-raising charity dinner hosted by the Virat Kohli Foundation here in London. The dinner was hosted to raise funds for Justice and Care organisation – an entity that works towards fighting human trafficking. The entire Indian team was also present at the charity dinner.
The liquor baron was seen entering the function with two gorgeous ladies. Mallya was also spotted at the Edgbaston ground watching the India-Pakistan clash in the ICC Champions Trophy on Sunday.
In fact, Mallya’s presence forced the Indian team to leave early in order to avoid any controversy. A BCCI source present at the event confirmed that Kohli and the Indian team were “uncomfortable” due to Mallya’s presence.
“Look, Virat or his foundation never invited Mallya at the function. But normally what happens at the charity dinner is that someone who has bought a table is entitled to invite his guests. Similarly, someone who bought a table must have invited him,” a top BCCI source present at the function said.
“The Indian team wasn’t comfortable and they maintained a dignified distance from Mallya. Mallya’s presence is one of the reason that team left early. The players were very uncomfortable. It was an unavoidable situation as one couldn’t have possibly asked him to leave,” the source said.
The former owner of Royal Challengers Bangalore and current owner of Force India is presently out on bail while being wanted in the country for defaulting on bank loans with his now defunct Kingfisher Airlines. He was later snapped up chatting away with former India captain and now commentator Sunil Gavaskar.
Mr. Gavaskar left the function early as he had some other personal commitments. Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar was also present for the function along with Harbhajan Singh. The function took place at the Honourable Artillery Company grounds at the Finsbury Street in Central London. Indian coach Anil Kumble along with other support staff also attended the event.
Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan was with their wives. Yuvraj Singh, the Man of the Match in the Pakistan clash was seen clicking selfies with some fans who attended the function.
The Indian team will be training on Tuesday at the London School of Economics ground ahead of their clash against Sri Lanka on Thursday.