Kolkata: In what is being seen an inspiring movem Australian cricketer and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Pat Cummins donated $50000 to 'PM Cares Fund' on Monday for the purchase of oxygen supplies in India's hospitals.
The fast bowler issued a statement urging everyone participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 to contribute and help India fight the battle against the COVID-19 surge.
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Taking to the social media platforms, the KKR player said that IPL is providing few hours of joy and respite to people at a time when people are battling the deadly Coronavirus.
"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," Cummins said in a statement on Twitter.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a >pic.twitter.com/2TPkMmdWDE</a></p>— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) <a >April 26, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
"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," Cummins added.
He encouraged his fellow IPL players to contribute. He said that by making this public appeal, we can all channel our emotions into action that will bring light into people's lives.
Cummins' donation was lauded by thousands on Twitter as many pointed out his efforts to the wealthy Indian cricketers expecting them to come forward and open their heart and wallet.