Kolkata Knight Riders star Pat Cummins made a generous donation of $50,000 to help India fight the surge of&nbsp;the dreaded virus. In an exclusive interview with WION’s Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay, Australia and Kolkata Knight Riders cricketer Pat Cummins talked about donating $50,000 to PM Cares Fund, IPL amid the COVID-19 pandemic and more.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-punjab-kings-squad-built-keeping-every-challenge-in-mind-ceo-satish-menon-to-wion-367171">Exclusive: Punjab Kings squad built keeping every challenge in mind: CEO Satish Menon to WION</a>

During the interview, the Aussie pacer was asked to name any historic cricket match he would have loved to play in. To which, he replied: "There is quite a few. I think the 1999 Cricket World Cup Australia's semifinals and the last ball and gets replayed a lot."

CHECKOUT THE COMPLETE INTERVIEW:&nbsp;

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The match Cummins mentioned here was a thrilling contest between Australia and South Africa that was played on June 17th 1999 in Birmingham. The contest was a semifinals match and the stakes were high. South African bowlers did well to restrict Australia to a modest score of 213. Shaun Pollock took a five-wicket haul for the Proteas.&nbsp;

However, Australian legend Shane Warne pulled his side back into the game and scalped four wickets and conceding 29 runs in his spell of 10 overs. South Africa needed 9 runs in the final 6 balls and Damien Fleming was to bowl the over. The dream of Aussies seemed broken as Klusener struck back to back boundaries off Fleming reducing the deficit to 1 run needed in four balls.&nbsp;

As South Africa was staring towards the finals of the World Cup, they could not resist a single. Mark Waugh grabbed the ball and ran Allan Donald out and ending the game in a draw.&nbsp;

Australia advanced into the finals after finishing above South Africa in the Big Six table.&nbsp;

Shane Warne was adjudged the Man of the Match for dragging the Australian team to victory. Australians went on to win the World Cup finals and lift the coveted trophy.&nbsp;

Kolkata Knight Riders star Pat Cummins made a generous donation of $50,000 to help India fight the surge of the dreaded virus. In an exclusive interview with WION’s Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay, Australia and Kolkata Knight Riders cricketer Pat Cummins talked about donating $50,000 to PM Cares Fund, IPL amid the COVID-19 pandemic and more.

Kolkata Knight Riders star Pat Cummins made a generous donation of $50,000 to help India fight the surge of the dreaded virus. In an exclusive interview with WION’s Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay, Australia and Kolkata Knight Riders cricketer Pat Cummins talked about donating $50,000 to PM Cares Fund, IPL amid the COVID-19 pandemic and more. ALSO READ: Exclusive: Punjab Kings squad built keeping every challenge in mind: CEO Satish Menon to WION During the interview, the Aussie pacer was asked to name any historic cricket match he would have loved to play in. To which, he replied: "There is quite a few. I think the 1999 Cricket World Cup Australia's semifinals and the last ball and gets replayed a lot." CHECKOUT THE COMPLETE INTERVIEW: × The match Cummins mentioned here was a thrilling contest between Australia and South Africa that was played on June 17th 1999 in Birmingham. The contest was a semifinals match and the stakes were high. South African bowlers did well to restrict Australia to a modest score of 213. Shaun Pollock took a five-wicket haul for the Proteas. However, Australian legend Shane Warne pulled his side back into the game and scalped four wickets and conceding 29 runs in his spell of 10 overs. South Africa needed 9 runs in the final 6 balls and Damien Fleming was to bowl the over. The dream of Aussies seemed broken as Klusener struck back to back boundaries off Fleming reducing the deficit to 1 run needed in four balls. As South Africa was staring towards the finals of the World Cup, they could not resist a single. Mark Waugh grabbed the ball and ran Allan Donald out and ending the game in a draw. Australia advanced into the finals after finishing above South Africa in the Big Six table. Shane Warne was adjudged the Man of the Match for dragging the Australian team to victory. Australians went on to win the World Cup finals and lift the coveted trophy.

Exclusive: Pat Cummins names a thrilling contest he would have loved to be a part of

With the COVID-19 pandemic raging in India, there have been many debates surrounding the biggest T20 cricket tournament in the world – the Indian Premier League – being held at a time when the country is recording more than 300,000 cases. While many have called for the suspension of the lucrative T20 tournament, being held behind closed doors, others have said that it brings respite to the cricket-mad country for three-four hours a day. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Australian cricketer Pat Cummins, who is in participating in IPL 2021 with Kolkata Knight Riders, took a step forward and donated $50,000 to help India fight the dreaded virus. The move was lauded by all, and the cricketer&nbsp;urged other IPL players to help the cause. Cummins was followed by former Australia speedster Brett Lee and KKR batsman Sheldon Jackson. <o:p></o:p>

The donation by Cummins and Lee have been backed by IPL as the cash-rich tournament has started to use its platform to raise awareness surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic while urging citizens of India to follow all the coronavirus-related precautions and get vaccinated when they are eligible to do so.<o:p></o:p>

In an exclusive interview with WION’s Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay, Australia and Kolkata Knight Riders cricketer Pat&nbsp;Cummins talked about donating $50,000 to PM Cares Fund, IPL amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and more.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-punjab-kings-squad-built-keeping-every-challenge-in-mind-ceo-satish-menon-to-wion-367171">Exclusive: Punjab Kings squad built keeping every challenge in mind: CEO Satish Menon to WION</a>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>The situation in India isn’t great so anything we can do to help: Cummins</o:p></h2>

When asked what prompted him to donate the generous sum to PM Cares Fund, Cummins said: “First of all, we are in the middle of IPL which is happening in India. The situation outside isn’t great. India has been so good to me over the years, the people are so kind here. I felt like doing my little bit. The situation isn’t great so anything we can do to help.”<o:p></o:p>

Cummins took to social media platforms to announce his donation to help India get immediate oxygen supplies for those struggling with the virus. The Aussie became the top trending topic on social media platforms as everyone lauded him for helping India in these testing times. <o:p></o:p>

“It has been quite overwhelming (the response on social media). Just trying to help a little bit. The response by cricketers and people outside the cricket community has been huge. As much as the money, hopefully, the awareness, helping people to stay home and keep up the morale in tough times make a bit of difference,” Cummins said.<o:p></o:p>

“A couple of guys in Kolkata Knight Riders have been really generous with their donations to the PM Cares Fund over the last year or so. There are a few people back home in Australia who are keen to help India so we might set up something in the next few days to direct a few more resources to charity here,” the ace Aussie pacer added.<o:p></o:p>

Three Australian cricketers – Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson – flew back to their homeland citing COVID-19 related concerns. Even star Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has pulled out of IPL 2021.

The question remains, should IPL 2021 continue at a time when the country’s medical infrastructure is overloaded?

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-punjab-kings-squad-built-keeping-every-challenge-in-mind-ceo-satish-menon-to-wion-367171">Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom</a>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Hope to bring respite to people for three-four hours a day: Cummins</h2>

“I don’t think so. We are doing everything we don’t take any resources from the frontline. There is an aspect that us playing for three or four hours hopefully contributes to making people stay at home,” Cummins said.<o:p></o:p>

“It has certainly been a big topic of conversation as to how we can help. Kolkata Knight Riders have been leading that on what we can do, we can talk about vaccinations, be widely available to the public in the next couple of weeks. So we can hopefully encourage people to do as much to minimise this initial wave and future waves as well,” he added.

<o:p></o:p>

With the COVID-19 pandemic raging in India, there have been many debates surrounding the biggest T20 cricket tournament in the world – the Indian Premier League – being held at a time when the country is recording more than 300,000 cases.

With the COVID-19 pandemic raging in India, there have been many debates surrounding the biggest T20 cricket tournament in the world – the Indian Premier League – being held at a time when the country is recording more than 300,000 cases. While many have called for the suspension of the lucrative T20 tournament, being held behind closed doors, others have said that it brings respite to the cricket-mad country for three-four hours a day. Australian cricketer Pat Cummins, who is in participating in IPL 2021 with Kolkata Knight Riders, took a step forward and donated $50,000 to help India fight the dreaded virus. The move was lauded by all, and the cricketer urged other IPL players to help the cause. Cummins was followed by former Australia speedster Brett Lee and KKR batsman Sheldon Jackson. The donation by Cummins and Lee have been backed by IPL as the cash-rich tournament has started to use its platform to raise awareness surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic while urging citizens of India to follow all the coronavirus-related precautions and get vaccinated when they are eligible to do so. In an exclusive interview with WION’s Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay, Australia and Kolkata Knight Riders cricketer Pat Cummins talked about donating $50,000 to PM Cares Fund, IPL amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and more. ALSO READ: Exclusive: Punjab Kings squad built keeping every challenge in mind: CEO Satish Menon to WION The situation in India isn’t great so anything we can do to help: Cummins When asked what prompted him to donate the generous sum to PM Cares Fund, Cummins said: “First of all, we are in the middle of IPL which is happening in India. The situation outside isn’t great. India has been so good to me over the years, the people are so kind here. I felt like doing my little bit. The situation isn’t great so anything we can do to help.” Cummins took to social media platforms to announce his donation to help India get immediate oxygen supplies for those struggling with the virus. The Aussie became the top trending topic on social media platforms as everyone lauded him for helping India in these testing times. “It has been quite overwhelming (the response on social media). Just trying to help a little bit. The response by cricketers and people outside the cricket community has been huge. As much as the money, hopefully, the awareness, helping people to stay home and keep up the morale in tough times make a bit of difference,” Cummins said. “A couple of guys in Kolkata Knight Riders have been really generous with their donations to the PM Cares Fund over the last year or so. There are a few people back home in Australia who are keen to help India so we might set up something in the next few days to direct a few more resources to charity here,” the ace Aussie pacer added. Three Australian cricketers – Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson – flew back to their homeland citing COVID-19 related concerns. Even star Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has pulled out of IPL 2021. The question remains, should IPL 2021 continue at a time when the country’s medical infrastructure is overloaded? ALSO READ: Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom Hope to bring respite to people for three-four hours a day: Cummins “I don’t think so. We are doing everything we don’t take any resources from the frontline. There is an aspect that us playing for three or four hours hopefully contributes to making people stay at home,” Cummins said. “It has certainly been a big topic of conversation as to how we can help. Kolkata Knight Riders have been leading that on what we can do, we can talk about vaccinations, be widely available to the public in the next couple of weeks. So we can hopefully encourage people to do as much to minimise this initial wave and future waves as well,” he added.

WION Exclusive: Will do more, says cricketer Pat Cummins after Covid donation to India wins hearts

Australia fast bowler and Kolkata Knight Riders player Pat Cummins on Monday issued a statement urging everyone participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 to contribute and help India fight the battle against the COVID-19 surge, which is at a record high in the nation.<o:p></o:p>

Cummins, taking to the social media platforms, said that IPL is providing few hours of joy and respite to people at a time when Indian citizens are in lockdown and fighting to curb the spread of the dreaded virus. <o:p></o:p>

There has been much deliberation on whether the IPL 2021 should continue given the crisis in the country. India is reporting more than 3 lakh COVID-19 cases for the past few days and many are struggling to get medical oxygen and ICU beds in the country.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, four players have already pulled out of IPL 2021 including star players Ravichandran Ashwin, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson and Andrew Tye.<o:p></o:p>

Notably, Cummins also decided to donate $50,000 to PM Cares Fund, specifically to purchase oxygen supplies to India’s hospitals.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-star-ashwin-withdraws-from-ipl-to-support-family-in-covid-fight-380524" hreflang="en">Indian star Ashwin withdraws from IPL to support family in Covid fight</a>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Here is Pat Cummins’ statement on IPL 2021:</h2>

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— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) <a href="https://twitter.com/patcummins30/status/1386624033936969730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India is a country I've come to love dearly over the years and the people here are some of the warmest and kindest I've ever met.<o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></h2>

To know so many are suffering so much at this time saddens me greatly.<o:p></o:p>

There has been quite a bit of discussion over here as to whether it is appropriate for the IPL to continue with COVID-19 infection rates remain high. I'm advised that the Indian Government is of the view that playing the IPL while the population is in lockdown provides a few hours of joy and respite each day at an otherwise difficult time for the country.<o:p></o:p>

As players, we are privileged to have a platform that allows us to reach millions of people that we can use for good. With that in mind, I have made a contribution to the "PM Cares Fund", specifically to purchase oxygen supplies for India's hospitals.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-maxwell-to-dhawan-five-players-who-have-rocked-ipl-2021-so-far-379570" hreflang="en">From Maxwell to Dhawan: Five players who have rocked IPL 2021 so far</a><o:p></o:p>

I encourage my fellow IPL players - and anyone around else the world who has been touched by India's passion and generosity - to contribute. I will kick it off with $50,000.<o:p></o:p>

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.<o:p></o:p>

I know my donation isn't much in the grand scheme of things, but I hope it will make a difference to someone.<o:p></o:p>

Australia fast bowler and Kolkata Knight Riders player Pat Cummins on Monday issued a statement urging everyone participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 to contribute and help India fight the battle against the COVID-19 surge, which is at a record high in the nation.

Australia fast bowler and Kolkata Knight Riders player Pat Cummins on Monday issued a statement urging everyone participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 to contribute and help India fight the battle against the COVID-19 surge, which is at a record high in the nation. Cummins, taking to the social media platforms, said that IPL is providing few hours of joy and respite to people at a time when Indian citizens are in lockdown and fighting to curb the spread of the dreaded virus. There has been much deliberation on whether the IPL 2021 should continue given the crisis in the country. India is reporting more than 3 lakh COVID-19 cases for the past few days and many are struggling to get medical oxygen and ICU beds in the country. Meanwhile, four players have already pulled out of IPL 2021 including star players Ravichandran Ashwin, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson and Andrew Tye. Notably, Cummins also decided to donate $50,000 to PM Cares Fund, specifically to purchase oxygen supplies to India’s hospitals. ALSO READ: Indian star Ashwin withdraws from IPL to support family in Covid fight Here is Pat Cummins’ statement on IPL 2021: pic.twitter.com/2TPkMmdWDE — Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) April 26, 2021 × India is a country I've come to love dearly over the years and the people here are some of the warmest and kindest I've ever met. To know so many are suffering so much at this time saddens me greatly. There has been quite a bit of discussion over here as to whether it is appropriate for the IPL to continue with COVID-19 infection rates remain high. I'm advised that the Indian Government is of the view that playing the IPL while the population is in lockdown provides a few hours of joy and respite each day at an otherwise difficult time for the country. As players, we are privileged to have a platform that allows us to reach millions of people that we can use for good. With that in mind, I have made a contribution to the "PM Cares Fund", specifically to purchase oxygen supplies for India's hospitals. ALSO READ: From Maxwell to Dhawan: Five players who have rocked IPL 2021 so far I encourage my fellow IPL players - and anyone around else the world who has been touched by India's passion and generosity - to contribute. I will kick it off with $50,000. 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. I know my donation isn't much in the grand scheme of things, but I hope it will make a difference to someone.

KKR's Pat Cummins donates $50,000 to PM Cares Fund for oxygen supplies, urges IPL players to contribute