The funds raised by Rajasthan Royals will help pan India, with an initial focus on the state of Rajasthan.
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Rajasthan Royals (RR) have announced a contribution of INR 7.5 Crores (over $1mn), towards COVID-19 relief. The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise is the first team to donate a certain amount, in order to provide immediate support to people in India impacted by the surge of the COVID-19 virus. The players along with the team owners and team management have come forward to raise funds in this regard. They have been working along with the Rajasthan-based franchise’s philanthropic arm Royal Rajasthan Foundation (RRF) in partnership with the British Asian Trust (BAT).
BAT works closely with the Indian Government on many initiatives, especially in the area of skills and education. The Trust’s founder, Prince Charles, launched an emergency “Oxygen for India” appeal, which is currently focused on the acquisition and distribution of oxygen concentrators, devices that can provide the enriched gas straight from the air, to treat patients when hospital supplies are under strain.
The initial focus of these funds raised by the franchise will be on the state of Rajasthan, where the RRF, Chaired by Ranjit Barthakur, has numerous initiatives it continues to support.
Australian pacer Pat Cummins recently became the first player to make a contribution in the fight against COVID-19. Cummins took to social media platform Twitter, to announce his decision to donate USD 50,000 to the PM Cares Fund. The objective of this donation was specifically to purchase oxygen supplies for India’s hospitals.
Cummins is currently in India for the ongoing 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 27-year-old is representing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Following the steps of his countryman, former Australian pacer Brett Lee decided to donate one bitcoin (approximately Rs 41 Lakh) to help India in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of now, Bitcoin is not considered as a legal method of trading in the country, but that did not stop Lee from lending a helping hand. The Royals have recorded only two wins out of a total of five games played so far, under the leadership of Sanju Samson who is leading the side for the first time.
