IPL 2021: Nicholas Pooran to contribute a part of salary for COVID-19 relief

Bengaluru, April 30: Punjab Kings batsman Nicholas Pooran has decided to donate a part of his Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 salary to help India fight the deadly resurgence of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The West Indies batsman urged Indians to get themselves vaccinated at the earliest to contain the spread of the deadly virus.

"If you can get vaccinated please do, I'll also do my part which is continue to pray for India but not only that, I would also like to donate a portion of my IPL salary towards this crisis," Pooran said in the video posted on Twitter.

The 25-year-old from Trinidad is aware of the toll the unprecedented health crisis is taking on India's overburdened medical infrastructure.

"To all my fans and supporters around the world and back home, I realise I'm in a safe and privileged position here in India at the IPL.

"But it's also heartbreaking to be so close to such tragedy that's unfolding around us. For a country that has shown us so much love and support over the years, all I can do is join hands with my fellow players to help bring some awareness to this situation in India.

"The healthcare system is overwhelmed right now. The people can't get the attention they need because of the lack of oxygen supplies, I can't comprehend to start," Pooran said.

Pooran, who has played all the six matches for PBKS so far in IPL 2021, expressed his desire to play a part after his franchise too pledged support by providing oxygen concentrators.

"Although many other countries are still being affected by the pandemic, the situation in India right now is particularly severe. I'll do my part to bring awareness and financial assistance to this dire situation," Pooran tweeted.

Scores of people across the country are dying in the wake of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many past and present cricketers, including legend Sachin Tendulkar as well as IPL franchises have contributed generously towards the noble cause as Pooran becames the latest to come up with financial help.