After Cummins, Brett Lee Donates To India’s Battle With COVID

After Australian cricketer Pat Cummins pledged a donation of 50000 USD to handle the corona crisis in India, another cricketer from the country, Brett Lee announced his donation today. Brett Lee pledged the donation for 1 Bitcoin which is approximately worth of 40 Lakh rupees to purchase the oxygen supplies. Brett Lee complimented Cummins for his wonderful initiative and has mentioned that India is his second home.

But, what’s raising a lot of questions is the Indian cricketers being silent on the ongoing health crisis in the country. The Indian cricketers knew that the situation outside their bio-bubble is extremely critical but they have not pledged any financial support to the government in battling the crisis. At a time when there is a lot of criticism on BCCI and IPL, the key players of India restricted themselves to posting tweets in reminding people to wear masks and sanitize their hands.

Currently, India needs a lot of oxygen supplies, emergency medicines for hospitals. India is also in need of a lot of ventilators and other life-saving injections. The country is pooling resources to procure the same. The governments of different countries came forward to give their support to India, by providing some relief material. The people within the country, irrespective of their professions, are joining hands voluntarily on social media to amplify the COVID requests.

The cricketers from the foreign country seem to have a better understanding of what’s actually happening in India than those who belong here. Pakistan captain Babar Azam also posted a tweet, praying for India but Indian team captain Virat Kohli is busy sharing pictures of his team RCB’s celebrations and other brand endorsements.

Although it is not politically correct to expect support from anyone but at a time of crisis when foreigners are understanding the current situation, how can the Indian cricketers not acknowledge the same is the big question doing rounds in everyone’s minds. Even the senior and legendary cricket players from the country are also staying calm about the situation in India.

The Indian cricketers might be busy playing IPL but they can put out a statement like Cummins and Lee, acknowledging the country’s sad state of affairs in dealing with the COVID crisis. When these foreign players are donating huge amounts to India’s fight with COVID, the Indian players also must come forward to pledge financial support within their capacity.

At the end of the day, when all this is over, the Indians will get back to the madness of cricket once again. But, are these Indian cricketers are not responsible to pay back when it’s time is something that they should think about.

The following is the statement of Brett Lee:

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. 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. www.cryptorelief.in.

Now is the time to be united and ensure we do as much as we can to help the ones in need. I’d also want to thank all the frontline workers who have been working round the clock during these tough times.

I request people to take care, stay at home, wash your hands and head out only if absolutely necessary, wear a mask and maintain social distancing.

Well done Pat Cummins for the initiative yesterday.