Yuvraj Singh donates Rs 50 lakh to PM-CARES fund to fight COVID-19

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh pledged to contribute Rs 50 lakh to the PM-CARES fund on Sunday while showing solidarity to light a candle as per the request of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

PM Modi had urged citizens to light candles and lamps on April 5 at 9 pm for nine minutes to ‘fight the darkness’ of the coronavirus pandemic.

Taking to Twitter, Yuvraj said that ‘on this great day of solidarity’, he was pledging Rs 50 lakh to the fund to help the country in its battle against the virus.

“We are stronger when we stand united. I will be lighting a candle tonight at 9pm for 9 minutes. Are you with me? On this great day of solidarity, I pledge Rs. 50 Lakhs to the #PMCaresFunds. Please do your bit too!” he tweeted while tagging the official account of the prime minister.

Yuvraj had earlier urged people to contribute to Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi’s foundation to combat the deadly virus and help those in need during these trying times. However, he and former India spinner Harbhajan Singh received brickbats from several fans and followers for endorsing the foundation set up by a ‘rival’ Pakistani. Both the cricketers supported Afridi’s initiative, with Yuvraj saying that his intention to help the vulnerable was ‘blown out of proportion’.

The Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM-CARES) Fund was set up by PM Modi as crowdsourced fund to help the country fight the coronavirus pandemic. Several celebrities including sportspersons and Bollywood personalities have contributed to the fund as India struggles to contain the spread of the virus.

The number of COVID-19 cases in India has surpassed 4,000, and over 100 deaths have been reported.