1st T20, India vs South Africa: Coin with images of Gandhi, Mandela to be used for toss

Dharamsala: On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's 146th birth anniversary, the BCCI has launched a specially minted toss coin with the images of both Gandhiji and Nelson Mandela for the Freedom Series.

The toss coin in gold features an impression of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela as 'Heads' and the Freedom Series as 'Tails'.

Designed exclusively for the Paytm Freedom Series, the 20 grams gold plated sterling silver coin will be used by India and South Africa for all the formats of the game played with each other in India or South Africa for perpetuity.

The coin has the photographs of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela laser engraved on it and will be launched by the BCCI Secretary Anurag Thakur along with the two captains, MS Dhoni and Faf du Plessis, at the start of the first Paytm T20I match at Dharamsala.

"This is our small way to pay homage to Gandhiji as we celebrate his 146th birth anniversary. Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela proved to the world that freedom could be achieved through the path of non-violence - a true symbol of peace, truth and harmony," Thakur was quoted as saying in a BCCI press release.

"This coin will keep reminding everyone about the teachings of both the great leaders and also the strong bond India and South Africa share historically," Thakur added.