Pat Cummins donates USD 50,000 for India's fight against Covid-19

In a wonderful gesture, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowler Pat Cummins made a generous contribution of $50,000 for India's fight against Covid-19 and urged his fellow players who are featuring in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 to extend their help. Cummins issued a statement on Twitter to confirm the same and said while his amount might not be enough, it should help someone in need.

"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 bought for a whopping Rs 15 crore by KKR at IPL 2020 auction, said it was the time to channelise emotion into action to help others. The Australian speedster also appealed to his fellow players and his fans to come forward to help India in its fight 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.

Cummins' gesture has come at a time when three Australian players in Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson have flown back to Australia. citing personal reasons and bio-bubble fatigue.

"AJ is leaving in the morning at 4 am (Sunday), all of you boys who wanna say bye to him and thank you. He has been part of the squad and he has offered us a lot of himself and his thoughts. Relax, enjoy and we get back to stuff that we do well training and focusing," Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara said in a video posted by Rajasthan on their official Twitter handle.

With the rise in the number of Covid-19 cases, all players featuring in the IPL have been strictly a part of the bio-bubble environment where they are tested regularly and also follow the guidelines issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).