IPL 2021: Pat Cummins Donates To "PM Cares Fund" For Purchase Of Oxygen Supplies For Indian Hospitals

Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins, who plays for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Monday announced that he was donating $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.

pic.twitter.com/2TPkMmdWDE

- Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) April 26, 2021

"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," Cummins said in his statement.

"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," the Australian 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.

Meanwhile, three Australian players pulled out of IPL 2021 amid the escalating COVID-19 crisis in India.

Royal Challengers Bangalore's Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa as well as Rajasthan Royals' Andrew Tye have withdrawn from the ongoing season of the cash-rich league.

Topics mentioned in this article

IPL 2021 Kolkata Knight Riders Pat Cummins Cricket