Kolkata Knight Riders’ Australian cricketer Pat Cummins has contributed AUD 50,000 toward the PM Cares Fund to help India in its fight against COVID-19 as the country continues to log a record number of cases each day.
Cummins took to Twitter to make a public appeal to help people during their time of need.
Saddened by what was happening in India, a country he has “come to love dearly over the years”, the Australian cricketer said he hoped his contribution will make a difference to someone.
“There has been quite a bit of discussion over here as to whether it is appropriate for the IPL to continue while COVID-19 infection rates remain high. I’m advised that the Indian government is of the view that playing the IPL while the population is in lockdown provides a few hours of joy and respite each day at an otherwise difficult time for the country,” his statement read.
“As players, we are privileged to have a platform that allows us to reach millions of people that we can use for good. With that in mind, I have made a contribution to the “PM Cares Fund,” specifically to purchase oxygen supplies for India’s hospitals.
“I encourage my fellow IPL players - and anyone else around the world who has been touched by India’s passion and generosity - to contribute. I will kick it off with $50,000 (approx. INR 29,10,000).”
“At times like this it is easy to feel helpless. I’ve certainly felt that of late. But I hope by making this public appeal we can all channel our emotions into action that will bring light into people’s lives.
“I know my donation isn’t much in the grand scheme of things, but I hope it will make a difference to someone,” he concluded.
Some Australian players have opted to return home as the COVID-19 crisis in India worsened. On Monday, Royal Challengers Bangalore announced that Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson will be leaving the tournament early. Rajasthan Royals’ Andrew Tye also expressed his fear of being “locked out” of his country as COVID-19 restrictions get stricter.
Another RR player England’s Liam Livingstone also returned to England citing “bubble fatigue” after spending much of the last 10 months bio-secure environments.
India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has also decided to pull out of the IPL to support his family as they fight COVID-19.
