Punjab Kings (PBKS) batsman Nicholas Pooran, on Friday (April 30), announced that he will be donating a portion of his Indian Premier League (IPL) salary to help people in India second wave of the COVID-19.
The West Indies batsman tweeted: "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"
"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," Pooran said in the video he posted.
"To all my fans and supporters around the world and back home, I realize I am in a safe and privileged position here in India at the IPL."
"But it's also heartbreaking to be so close to such tragedy that's unfolding around us. For a country that has shown us so much love and support over the years, all I can do is join hands with my fellow players to help bring some awareness to this situation in India," he added.
"The healthcare system is overwhelmed right now. The people can't get the attention they need because of the lack of oxygen supplies, I can't comprehend to start," Pooran said.
A few hours later, Punjab King’s official Twitter handle also pledged funds towards oxygen concentrators across the country.
Rajasthan Royals pacer Jayadev Unadkat also pledged 10 per cent of his IPL salary towards providing medical supplies for people in need.
I am contributing 10% of my IPL salary towards providing essential medical resources for those in need. My family will make sure it reaches the right places. Jai Hind! pic.twitter.com/XvAOayUEcd
— Jaydev Unadkat (@JUnadkat) April 30, 2021
The second wave of the pandemic has overwhelmed India’s healthcare system as hospitals struggle with shortage of medical oxygen and ICU beds. On Thursday, India reported 386,452 news cases, while a total of 3,498 deaths were recorded over the last 24 hours.
(With inputs from PTI)