Australian cricketer Pat Cummins contributes $50,000 to PM Cares Fund “specifically to purchase oxygen supplies for India’s hospitals
Australian Pat Cummins, who is currently playing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) announced to donate $50,000 to the ‘PM Cares Fund’ specifically for the purchase of oxygen supplies for Indian hospitals as the country faces a surge of COVID-19 cases. He also urged colleagues in the IPL to make contributions.
Cummins in a statement said that “India is a country I have come to love dearly over the years and the people here are one of the warmest and kindest I have met. To know so many are suffering so much this time saddens me greatly,”.
“There has been quite a bit of discussion over here as to whether it is appropriate for IPL to continue while COVID-19 infection rates remain high. I am 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,†he said.
“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,†he wrote.
“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,†he said.