Rajasthan Royals contribute Rs 7.5 crore towards COVID-19 relief

Rajasthan Royals on Thursday announced that the franchise would contribute Rs 7.5 crores (over USD 1 million) towards COVID-19 relief to help citizens in India as the country struggles under the second wave of the pandemic.

“Rajasthan Royals announce a contribution of over $1 milion (sic) from their owners, players and management to help with immediate support to those impacted by COVID-19,” RR’s official Twitter account tweeted.

It further said that the contribution will be made through Royal Rajasthan Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the franchise, and the British Asian Trust (BAT).

In a statement, the Royals said that an emergency ‘Oxygen for India’ appeal has been launched to tackle the oxygen shortage crisis the country is presently facing.

“Players along with the team owners and team management have come forward to raise funds and have been working along with the Rajasthan Royals’ philanthropic arm Royal Rajasthan Foundation (RRF) in partnership with the British Asian Trust (BAT).

“BAT works closely with the Indian Government on many initiatives – especially in the area of skills and education. The Trust’s founder, Prince Charles, launched an emergency “Oxygen for India” appeal, which is currently focused on acquisition and distribution of oxygen concentrators, devices that can provide the enriched gas straight from the air, to treat patients when hospital supplies are under strain.

“The funds raised by Rajasthan Royals will help pan India, with an initial focus on the state of Rajasthan, where the RRF, Chaired by Ranjit Barthakur, has numerous initiatives it continues to support,” the statement read.

Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders’ Pat Cummins and former Australian pacer Brett Lee made contributions to India’s fight against the current health crisis. Cummins donated $50,000 to the PM Cares Fund while Lee donated one Bitcoin (approx. Rs 40 lakh) to the cause.