Tendulkar-signed IPL ticket fetches Rs. 11 lakh

Mumbai, Wed, Mar 10 2010 (PTI) - Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkars's autographed ticket to watch IPL action on the big screens of theatres across the country was auctioned and fetched Rs 11 lakh here today.

The proceeds of the auction, which began at a base price of Rs 5 lakh, would go to Tendulkar-supported charitable organization 'Apnalaya', it was announced.

Unveiling the first ticket for matches to be seen in theatres, the champion batsman talked about his support for 'Apnalaya'.

"I have been supporting this charity for a long time now.

I am trying to help the charity by raising money and creating a platform for the underprivileged kids to express their talent," Tendulkar said.

He also announced he would be donating his bat, which he used for international matches during this season in which he created history by becoming the first batsman to score a double century in ODIs, for charity.

The bat would be taken around and displayed in all the cinema theatres screening IPL matches before it will go under the hammer and the proceeds would again go to Apnalaya, it was announced.

Tendulkar, who would be leading Mumbai Indians in the March 12-April 25 Twenty20 event, said his team was preparing hard for the 45-day tournament.

"The preparations have become intense and I am looking forward to playing in the third season of IPL," he said.