The Australia and Kolkata Knight Riders fast bowler wants the money to be used to help purchase oxygen amid a shortage at hospitals across the country
Pat Cummins has made a sizable donation to India's Covid-19 fund and has called on his fellow Indian Premier League players to follow suit.
The Australia and Kolkata Knight Riders fast bowler has given $50,000 (£28,041) to PM Cares, a scheme set up to assist with dealing with the pandemic.
Cummins wants the money to be spent on purchasing oxygen, with levels at a critical point in medical facilities across the country.
Currently, on an IPL contract worth 15.5 crore (£1.5m), the 27-year-old has called on fellow players to follow suit as cases in the country continue to increase.
"India is a country I've come to love dearly over the years and the people here are some of the warmest and kindest I've ever met," he said in a statement on Twitter.
— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) April 26, 2021
"To know so many are suffering so much at this time saddens me greatly.
"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 populations is in lockdown provides a few hours of joy and respect each day at an otherwise difficult time for the country.
"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."
"I encourage my fellow IPL players - and anyone around else the world who has been touched by India's passion and generosity - to contribute. I will kick it off with $50,000.
"At times like this it is easy to feel helpless. I've certainly felt that of late. 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."
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