Pat Cummins donates $50000 to PM Cares Fund for 'purchase of oxygen supplies'

In a great humanitarian gesture, Australian speedster Pat Cummins has donated $50000 to the Prime Minister’s (PM) Relief Fund to help India battle the deadly Coronavirus which has wrecked havoc in the country.

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In a long statement on his social media handle, Cummins revealed that he loves India and its people, announcing that he has made a small contribution from his side. He further requested his fellow players to come forward and help the country overcome this critical situation.

"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. 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 on Twitter.

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— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) April 26, 2021

"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."

Meanwhile, owing to the growing concerns of Coronavirus in India, three Australians, RR’s Andrew Tye, RCB’s Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson opted out of the remaining matches of IPL. Earlier, Liam Livingstone too flew back home citing bubble fatigue.

The BCCI is trying its best to maintain a safe environment for its players. Along with a secure bio bubble, they have adopted the twin city ‘Cluster Caravan' format for IPL 2021 where each team will play multiple matches at a venue before moving to another. With Mumbai and Chennai leg of matches done, the teams will now play their matches in Delhi and Ahmedabad.

The second wave of the Coronavirus has brought India on its knees with the country's health infrastructure in danger of a collapse. India is reporting as many as 3.50 lakh Covid-19 cases on a regular basis. Several states have also complained of lack of Oxygen.