Australian cricketers donate prize money to support families of Sri Lanka

In a heartfelt gesture by Australia’s men’s cricket team, the players have donated the prize money from their recent tour of Sri Lanka to support kids and families impacted on the island nation due to the economic crisis. Skipper Pat Cummins who is also the UNICEF Australia ambassador, and captain of the white-ball team Aaron Finch along with other team members will donate A$45,000 to the organization’s Sri Lanka appeal.

Australia toured Sri Lanka recently where they managed to win the T20I series easily, but a strong comeback by the home team meant that the Men in Yellow had to face an ODI series defeat, while the Test series ended in a draw. Apart from indulging in cricket matches, Australian players also witnessed the crisis with their own eyes in Sri Lanka.

The economic situation in Sri Lanka has resulted in heavy price hikes in essential products including food, petroleum, medicines, and clothing, among other things.

It was an easy decision for us to donate our prize money to UNICEF: Pat Cummins

“It was very clear to us how much day-to-day life for Sri Lankans is being impacted. 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,” Cummins was quoted as saying by Daily Mirror.

It must be noted that this is not the first time that the Australian cricket team has come out and helped a nation in need. In 2021, skipper Pat Cummins and Cricket Australia donated $50,000 for oxygen supplies during India’s COVID-19 crisis which also resulted in the postponement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) during that year.

“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,” UNICEF Australia CEO Tony Stuart said.