Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins. COURTESY
Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins, who plays for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Monday announced that he has contributed $50,000 to the 'PM Cares Fund,' which will be used to buy oxygen supplies for Indian hospitals in the wake of a Covid-19 outbreak. He also encouraged his IPL colleagues to contribute.
“India is a country I have come to love dearly over the years and the people here are some of the warmest and kindest I've ever met. To know so many are suffering so much at this time saddens me greatly. There has been quite a bit of discussion over here as to whether it is appropriate for the IPL to continue while Covid-9 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,” Cummins said in a statement.
Cummins, who was roped in by KKR for a whopping Rs 15 crore at the IPL 2020 auction, said it was time to turn emotion into action in order to benefit others. The Australian speedster also urged his teammates and fans to join him in assisting India in its battle against the pandemic.
“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. At times like these, 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 emotion 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 added.
With the increase in Covid-19 incidents, all IPL players have been placed in a bio-bubble environment where they are screened on a regular basis and must adhere to the guidelines set out by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
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