Pat Cummins donates $50,000 to PM Cares Fund to help fight India against coronavirus pandemic

Pat Cummins donates $50,000 to PM Cares Fund to help fight India against coronavirus pandemic

Kolkata Knight Riders quick Pat Cummins has donated US $50,000 to PM cares fund to help India fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Cummins, in a statement on social media, said he made a contribution specifically to purchase oxygen supplies for India’s hospitals.

The Aussie quick is the first cricketer in this year’s IPL to announce such contribution. He has also urged other cricketers to come forward and help fight this pandemic, which has wreaked havoc in the country.

"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," he said on social media. "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.

"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."

Cummins, who was signed for a whopping INR 15.5 crore, has been an integral part of the Kolkata Knight Riders group. His fellow Aussie cricketers have been ‘anxious’ as there are fears that flights to Australia might get cancelled as the situation in India gets worse.

Rajasthan Royals had announced that Andrew Tye will be leaving back while RCB had posted that Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson have also left. "I encourage my fellow IPL players - and anyone around else 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 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 added.