The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 has already seen some of the overseas players leave for their respective countries considering the huge spike in the number of coronavirus cases. At the same time, there are players who have extended their help to India while staying in the bio-bubble. Punjab Kings (PBKS) explosive batsman Nicholas Pooran has pledged to donate a portion of his IPL salary to India for oxygen supplies.
Pooran, who remains to be one of the most explosive players in the tournament, shared a video on his social media account where he announced his decision to financially extend his help.
“To all my fans and supporters around the world and back home, I realise I am in a safe and privileged position here in India at the IPL. But it is also heartbreaking to be so close to such tragedy that’s unfolded around us. For a country that has shown so much love and support over these years, the least I can do is join hands with my fellow players to help bring some awareness to this situation in India, The health care system is overwhelmed right now, people kind get the medical addition they need because of the lack of oxygen resources and supplies. I can’t comprehend that. If you can get vaccinated, please do, I will also do my part which is continue to pray for India but not only that I would also like to donate a portion of my IPL salary towards this crisis in India,” Pooran said in a video.
Punjab Kings also took to Twitter to announce that they will be raising funds for oxygen supplies in India.
“To help the fight against #COVID19 in India, #PBKS has pledged to provide oxygen concentrators with the help of @roundtableindia! We also request everyone to join in and help in whatever way possible because together, we can! #SaddaPunjab #Unite2FightCorona,” PBKS wrote.
Earlier, IPL 2008 winners Rajasthan Royals (RR) had donated a generous amount of Rs 7.5 crore.
Two Australian cricketers, Pat Cummins and Brett Lee have also raised funds for India amid the ongoing crisis. While Cummins donated $50, 000 (INR 37 lakhs) to the PM-Cares Fund, Lee donated 1 Bitcoin (INR 40.2 lakhs) to India.
