Cricketers who have donated to India’s fight against COVID-19

Covid-19 Donations by Cricketers: Amidst the entertaining and safe organization of the 14^th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the people of India are fighting a serious battle against the recent surge of Covid-19 cases across the country. Although, the IPL is being conducted in proper bio-secure bubble environment with the players and all the members involved in the tournament following all the necessary protocols, the rest of the people are advised to stay at home and take care of their family in these tough times. Many of the cricketers have also come forward to support the country in this challenging fight against coronavirus.

Cricketers Covid-19 Donations

Kolkata Knight Riders’ pacer Pat Cummins who was the most expensive overseas player in the IPL 2020 auction, has set a great example by donating 50,000$ to the ‘PM Cares’ Fund to assist the patients in India struggling due to the lack of oxygen supplies. Former Aussie speedster Brett Lee who is part of the broadcast team in this IPL 2021 season has announced he will be donating 1 Bitcoin (worth around INR 41 lakh) to the Crypto Relief that will help in purchasing of oxygen supplies for the hospitals across India.

Former Indian batsman and God of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar has also made a huge contribution worth INR 1 crore towards ‘Mission Oxygen’ to procure oxygen concentrators for COVID-19 patients in the country. Just like the Master Blaster, India’s senior opener Shikhar Dhawan has announced INR 20 lakhs plus he will be donating his entire post-match awards money during the IPL 2021 season towards supporting the country in these tough times. The Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals have decided to contribute a sum worth INR 1.5 crore and $ 1 Million respectively for India’s battle with the Covid-19 second wave. Also, Punjab Kings batsman Nicholas Pooran has also announced that he will be donating a portion of his IPL salary to help the people of India in these crisis.

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— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 29, 2021

Anushka and I have started a campaign on @ketto, to raise funds for Covid-19 relief, and we would be grateful for your support.

Let’s all come together and help those around us in need of our support.

I urge you all to join our movement.

Link in Bio! ?#InThisTogether pic.twitter.com/RjpbOP2i4G

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) May 7, 2021

pic.twitter.com/2TPkMmdWDE

— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) April 26, 2021

https://twitter.com/BrettLee_58/status/1387017917376516102

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— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) April 30, 2021

Rajasthan Royals announce a contribution of over $1 milion from their owners, players and management to help with immediate support to those impacted by COVID-19. This will be implemented through @RoyalRajasthanF and @britishasiantst.

Complete details ?#RoyalsFamily

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 29, 2021

?ANNOUNCEMENT?

Delhi Capitals and its patrons, the @JSWFoundation & GMR Varalakshmi Foundation are offering financial support amounting to INR 1.5 Cr to NCR based NGOs, the @Hemkunt_Fdn and the @UdayFoundation. #DilDikhaDilli #YehHaiNayiDilli @DelhiAirport pic.twitter.com/5brZ3o2NnP

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 29, 2021

RCB has identified key areas where much needed help is required immediately in healthcare infrastructure related to Oxygen support in Bangalore and other cities, and will be making a financial contribution towards this. pic.twitter.com/jS5ndZR8dt

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) May 2, 2021

Although many other countries are still being affected by the pandemic, the situation in India right now is particularly severe. I will do my part to bring awareness and financial assistance to this dire situation.#PrayForIndia pic.twitter.com/xAnXrwMVTu

— NickyP (@nicholas_47) April 30, 2021

Inspired from @BrettLee_58 and @patcummins30, the Estonian Cricket Association is proud to be able to make a contribution where it is needed most?#estoniancricket #cricketunites #cricket pic.twitter.com/y6jZWMcUUt

— Estonian Cricket Association (@CricketEstonian) April 29, 2021

Related: Why should IPL 2021 go on amidst India’s serious battle with Covid-19?

“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,” wrote Pat Cummins on Twitter.

“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,” he added.

Related: Watch Ravi Bishnoi Take the CATCH OF THE IPL 2021 SEASON

“India has always been like a second home for me. The love and affection that I have got from the people of this country both during my professional career and even after my retirement, holds a special place in my heart. It saddens me deeply to see people suffering due to the ongoing pandemic,” Brett Lee wrote in a tweet.

“I feel privileged to be in a position of making a difference and with that in mind, I’d like to donate 1 BTC (Bitcoin) to Crypto Relief to help with the purchase of oxygen supplies for the hospitals across India,” he added.

Indian cricketers like Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag, Shreevats Goswami, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya and Aakash Chopra have also supported the country in this noble cause with their needful donations to help in this tough fight against Covid-19.

Related: David Warner, Steve Smith to pull out of IPL 2021? Here’s an update

IPL 2021: BCCI President Sourav Ganguly says the tournament will go on as per schedule

Earlier this week, Delhi Capitals senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced that he will not be taking anymore part in the IPL 2021 season due to the current Covid-19 pandemic situation as he wants to support his family in these tough times. Also, 3 Australian cricketers namely Andrew Tye (Rajasthan Royals), Adam Zampa (Royal Challengers Bangalore) and Kane Richardson (Royal Challengers Bangalore) have also pulled out for the remainder of the season. However, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has confirmed that the IPL 2021 season will continue as per the original schedule.

“So far, it’s going on as scheduled,” BCCI president Sourav Ganguly told Sportstar on Monday.

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