Akram and Gough join other sporting greats to raise funds to fight pandemic

London: Renowned cricketers Wasim Akram and Darren Gough have joined other sporting greats such as Jack Nicklaus and Michael Phepls in auctioning their items of memorabilia and help raise funds for the fight against the Covid19 pandemic.

According to athletesrelief.org, Nicklaus, Mike Tyson, Nick Faldo, Rory McIlroy, Martina Hingis, Stephen Curry and Phelps, Akram and Gough have given away items of memorabilia to be auctioned on behalf of the Centre for Disaster Philanthropy who have set up a Covid19 Response Fund.

At $41350 for his signed football, former American National Football League (NFL) star Rob Gronkowski raised the maximum amount.

Multiple Olympic gold medallist America swimmer Phepls, whose signed swimsuit has helped raised $1490, said, "In order to give back during this challenging time, I am donating a 'game worn' suit cap and goggles to athletesrelief.org."

Akram, Pakistan's highest wicket-taker in both Test and ODI cricket, has pledged a signed bat and ball while Gough, England's second-highest wicket-taker in ODI cricket, has pledged a signed ball.

While Akram's bat and and ball have raised $150, Gough's signed ball has attracted $50.