Australian cricket star Pat Cummins has donated $50,000 to go towards medical supplies in India as the country battles a devastating COVID-19 crisis.
Cummins is in India playing for IPL club Kolkata Knight Riders and he says he's grown to love the country dearly over the years.
"To know so many are suffering so much at this time saddens me greatly," Australia's Test vice-captain said on social media.
His donation to the PM CARES Fund will go towards much-needed oxygen supplies for coronavirus patients at India's overwhelmed hospitals.
"At times like this it is easy to feel helpless. I've certainly felt that of late," Cummins said.
"But I hope by making this public appeal we can all channel our emotions 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."
Cummins, who is staying put in India for now, called on other IPL players to contribute.
"And anyone else around the world who has been touched by India's passion and generosity," the fast bowler said.
His Twitter post has been liked more than 350,000 times, shared over 100,000 times and prompted thousands of replies.
Cummins was purchased by Kolkata for a record $3.1 million in an IPL auction in December 2019.
The IPL is continuing in a COVID-safe bubble and Cummins noted the discussion about whether it was appropriate to continue playing as the crisis deepened.
He said he'd been told the Indian Government believed the IPL provided a few hours of respite for the country at a difficult time.
Meanwhile, fellow Australian players Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson are leaving the IPL as COVID-19 infections surge to unprecedented levels in India.
Tye was flown out of India on Sunday night after requesting a release from the Rajasthan Royals on personal grounds amid growing unease about the path back to Australia.
Royal Challengers Bangalore on Monday said leg-spinner Zampa and paceman Richardson had been given permission to return home for personal reasons.
The Australian government, having already reduced passenger numbers from India, is set to discuss a temporary ban on all repatriation flights.
Australian Associated Press
