KKR's Pat Cummins donates $50,000 to PM CARES Fund

Pat Cummins, Australian pace ace and Kolkata Knight Riders’ highest-paid player in this year’s IPL, has announced a donation of $50,000 to India’s ‘PM Cares Fund’ for the procurement of oxygen supplies as the country is grappling with a record surge in Covid-19 cases.

In a statement published from his official Twitter handle, Cummins has also urged his fellow IPL players and fans to contribute generously towards the cause.

“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 wrote.

Respite from gloom

Justifying the continuation of IPL amidst the great suffering the country is going through, the Rs 15.5 Crore KKR all-rounder wrote: “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.”

“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 Aussie pace star added.

‘Kindest people’

“I encourage my fellow IPL players – and anyone else in the world who has been touched by India’s passion and generosity – to contribute. I will kick it off with $50,000,” Cummins wrote in a call for contribution in his statement.

The popular Aussie star’s initiative might help in encouraging people to contribute in droves towards India’s fight against Covid-19. Cummins will feature in today’s match against Punjab Kings for Kolkata Knight Riders.

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