Jason Behrendorff, a pacer for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), revealed on Twitter today that he was donating to the UNICEF Project for the India COVID-19 Crisis. The left-arm pace bowler wrote an open letter in which he expressed his views on the present crisis in India as a result of the pandemic and his decision to donate. Behrendorff is following in the footsteps of Australian teammate Pat Cummins, who recently declared a donation to help with the pandemic-related crisis in India.
“India has always held a special spot in my heart, as it does for most cricketers. It’s a beautiful country, the people are friendly, and playing cricket in India is unlike anything else you’ve ever seen. It never ceases to amaze me how fortunate I am to be able to play cricket for a living and travel to places like India, particularly in the last 16 months “In a statement, Behrendorff said.
“It’s horrifying and distressing to see what’s going on here right now and realise there’s nothing I can do about it. My thoughts are still with those in India who are suffering from the virus. I’m sorry, but I can’t imagine what you’re going through “Added he.
“I wanted to do something to help, so I donated to the UNICEF Covid-19 crisis in India fund. I invite someone who has had the pleasure of experiencing India’s warm hospitality to do the same “he penned
“I know it’s a tiny number, and it’ll never compare to the love and kindness India has shown my family and me over the years, but I hope it will make a difference,” Behrendorff concluded.
Due to rising cases among players and support staff in many teams, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL governing council postponed this year’s tournament on May 4.