Cricket Australia, the Australian Cricketers’ Association, and UNICEF Australia will join together to support the India COVID-19 Crisis Appeal, with Cricket Australia, the Australian Cricketers’ Association, and UNICEF Australia collaborating to collect much-needed money. The damage caused by the second coronavirus wave to strike India, a nation with which Australians have a close relationship and association, has profoundly saddened Australian cricket. India’s UNICEF is based in Australia. The COVID-19 Crisis Appeal is funding the purchase and installation of oxygen generation plants in hospitals to treat critically ill patients, as well as supplying monitoring facilities in hard-hit areas and accelerating the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
Cricket Australia will make a $50,000 contribution, and Australians everywhere are encouraged to contribute generously at this crucial period in India’s COVID-19 response.
“Australians and Indians have a special relationship, and our shared love of cricket is at the heart of that connection for many. The plight of so many of our Indian sisters and brothers during the second phase of the coronavirus pandemic has been distressing and saddening, and our hearts go out to everyone affected “In an official statement, Cricket Australia’s Interim CEO, Nick Hockley, said.
“Pat Cummins’ and Brett Lee’s words and gifts over the past week have touched all of us profoundly. In the same vein, we are pleased to work with UNICEF Australia to collect funds to assist the citizens of India by providing much-needed oxygen, testing facilities, and vaccines to the Indian health system “Added he.
Pat Cummins and Brett Lee had previously contributed to India’s war against the pandemic.
UNICEF Australia CEO Tony Stuart expressed his delight at the association with Australian Cricket, saying he was encouraged that a global sport like cricket, and its players, who have a long history with India and its citizens, recognised the urgent need to act now.
“We know that sport has the potential to unite people, and there has never been a more critical moment,” Stuart said.
“As the world’s largest children’s charity, UNICEF has been working relentlessly during the pandemic, and we know the catastrophic and life-long effects this emergency can bring, especially on children and young people,” he said.
The COVID-19 pandemic has engulfed India, with more than 3,00,000 new cases being recorded every day. Since the pandemic began in 2020, this is the highest number of cases recorded.