As India is struggling to counter massive second coronavirus wave, daily case numbers are making new infamous records. However, amid this time of crisis Indian Premier league cricket tournament has come under critcism by some.
Do we need to continue with this tournament when India is suffering? Maybe yes.
But how can we say that? Aren’t we sensitive about the situation? Yes, we are.
A country that is as passionate about cricket as India can definitely be helped by few hours of smiles.
Australian cricket star Pat Cummins who is playing the IPL in India says that he has been advised that this tournament is providing joy and respite to millions of people in lockdown.
Pat Cummins released a statement on social media site Twitter saying, “I have made a contribution to the “PM Cares Fund,” specifically to purchase oxygen supplies for India’s Hospitals.”
Last week, the Indian Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in line with PM Narendra Modi’s direction of boosting the availability of oxygen to hospitals, the PM CARES Fund has given in-principle approval for allocation of funds for the installation of 551 dedicated Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Medical Oxygen Generation Plants inside public health facilities across the country.
Cummins encouraged his fellow IPL players and anyone around the world who has been touched by India’s passion and generosity to contribute.
Mr Cummins said, I will kick it off with $50,000.”
He says, I know my donation isn’t much in the grand scheme of things, but I hope it will make a difference to someone.”
Earlier few social commentators have questioned the continuance of the IPL tournament while India is gripped in the second wave of coronavirus.
“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,” said Cummins.
This comes after several Australian cricketers opted out of the ongoing IPL. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Monday confirmed that two Australian players — Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson — will be heading back for personal reasons.
Rajasthan Royals pacer Andrew Tye opted out of the ongoing tournament on Sunday. India and Delhi Capitals spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has also announced that he would be taking a break from the ongoing IPL season as he wants to extend support to his family who is currently battling Covid-19.
Social Scientist Anita Singh Guha says, “It’s important to keep the spirits high in a time of crisis like this. Mental health should also be considered as a vital factor while dealing with the current situation.”
She says, “Seeing from outside it could look like IPL should be stoped but when you monitor closely it might have more benefits than distractions as claimed by some.”
