Australian pacer Pat Cummins, who is competing for Kolkata Knight Riders in the ongoing IPL, reckons shutting down the cash-rich tournament is not the answer even as the second COVID-19 wave is wreaking havoc in India.
India is reporting over 3 lakh COVID-19 cases for the last one week and the health infrastructure is struggling to cope with the crisis.
Amidst the chaos, there seems to be a divided opinion on the continuation of IPL 2021. While some feel it should be stopped right away, a section believes it is a happy distraction.
"I don't think ending the IPL is the answer," Cummins, who donated USD 50,000 towards India’s fight against the deadly virus, said in an interview with news channel WION.
"We are doing everything we can to make sure we don't take any resources out of the front line. I don't think so (it's the solution).
"Of course there's an aspect that playing every night for three-four hours hopefully contributes to people staying home as it has been a hard routine for them and we can help them get through each day," he added.
Looking at the unprecedented crisis, Cummins said groups have been formed in Australia to help the country.
"People in Australia would also like to help, so we are planning to set up something there to direct the resources to some charity over here," he stated.
Talking about his decision to donate towards the PM CARES Fund, the Australian speedster said: "Just chatting with a couple of guys here at Kolkata Knight Riders and they have been really generous in their donation to the PM CARES fund over the last year. (Team owner and Bollywood superstar) Shahrukh (Khan) donated (money) himself and that is the way to go."
(With PTI inputs)
