IPL 2021: Pat Cummins donates $50,000 to PM Cares Fund to fund oxygen supplies for Indian hospitals

Kolkata Knight Riders gun fast bowler Pat Cummins has decided to donate a huge sum of $50,000 to fund oxygen supplies for Indian hospitals.

India has been hit hard by the second wave of Covid-19 as more than 3,00,000 cases are getting reported on a daily basis. There is a shortage of oxygen and Covid-19 positive people are struggling to get the required medical care.

Cummins, who was bagged for a whopping amount of INR 15.50 crores by Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2020 auction has decided to help India amid the dark times.

Cummins released a statement on his official account, “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 have met. To know so many are suffering so much this time saddens me greatly.”

Cummins also shared his thoughts on whether the IPL 2021 should continue despite the emergency scenario in India.

“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 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.”

Pat Cummins continued: “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 for the purchase of oxygen supplies for India’s hospitals.”

The Australian fast bowler also urged other players to make a contribution to help India recover from these testing times.

“I encourage my fellow IPL players – and anyone around the world who has been touched by India’s passion and generosity – to contribute. I will kick it off with $50,000.”

The other players should also come out to donate generously and take a leaf from Cummins’ book.

Meanwhile, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson have decided to pull out of the IPL due to Covid-19 scare. Furthermore, Ravichandran Ashwin has also decided to withdraw from tournament to be with his family.

Cummins has thus far scalped four wickets in six matches for KKR.