Home
The Australian men's cricket team have decided to donate the prize money from their bilateral series against Sri Lanka to help the people who were impacted by the economic crisis currently engulfing the country. Leading the charge are the two skippers Pat Cummins and Aaron Finch, and the team will donate $45,000 to UNICEF.
The two teams battled it out in a multi-format series against Sri Lanka back in June-July, while the country was deep in turmoil around them. The economic crisis had forced Sri Lanka's president and prime minister to resign.
The funds donated by the players will go into UNICEF's programs which will support education, healthcare, nutrition and mental health services for nearly 2 million children on Sri Lankan soil. "It was very clear to us how much day-to-day life for Sri Lankans is being impacted," Cummins, who is a UNICEF Australia ambassador, was quoted as saying.
"When the team saw what was happening it was an easy decision to donate our prize money to UNICEF, who have been in Sri Lanka for more than 50 years supporting the needs of children and families," he added.
Meanwhile, Finch spoke about their reception in the nation, despite the major issues, and also hoped for the tour to 'lift their spirits in some small way'.
"Last year (in 2021) Australian cricketers got behind India in its time of crisis during the peak of the COVID-19 Delta wave and we thank them for again giving generously to help Sri Lankans impacted by the current crisis," Tony Stuart, the UNICEF Australia CEO, said.
"Last year Australian cricketers got behind India in its time of crisis during the peak of the COVID-19 Delta wave and we thank them for again giving generously to help Sri Lankans impacted by the current crisis," Tony Stuart, the UNICEF Australia CEO, said.
"Australia has a strong bond with Sri Lanka that goes beyond the match days and this donation is gratefully received to support the long-term wellbeing of Sri Lanka's families," he added.
Back in 2021, Cummins and Cricket Australia were active as well, contributing $50,000 for oxygen supplies after a shortage in supplies for hospitals as India reeled from the second wave and a major shortage of hospital supplies. In 2021, the second leg of the IPL had to be shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) because of issues surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
