IPL 2021: Star India donates Rs 50 crore for COVID-19 relief

With the second wave of the COVID-19 running havoc in the country, Star India has pledged financial support of Rs 50 crore for India’s ongoing COVID-19 relief efforts. The announcement was made through their Twitter handle on Wednesday. Star India has been the official broadcaster of the recently suspended IPL 2021.

Extending his support to the cause, K Madhavan, President, The Walt Disney Company India and Star India “We stand in solidarity with all of India in our fight against COVID-19. The Walt Disney Company and India and Star India are humbly contributing INR 50 crore to aid relief efforts. The need of the hour is to provide critical healthcare supplies and equipment to save lives. This is our common fight and our contribution reaffirms our steadfast commitment to India, and builds upon the INR 28 crore that our company contributed towards COVID-19 relief in 2020.” 

The donations will be utilised to aid relief efforts and towards the procurement of critical healthcare equipment, including oxygen concentrators, BiPAP, and ventilators along with setting up oxygen plants across hospitals.

Star India network has been running an awareness campaign through Public Service Announcements (PSA) to create awareness around COVID Appropriate Behaviour (CAB). The company will also continue supporting relief efforts through its Disney Employee Matching Gifts program, wherein for employee donations to pre-approved charitable organisations, the company will match the amount. 

Many players and Indian Premier League franchises came forward in the time of need and donated to the cause. Rajasthan Royals announced that they will be donating Rs 7.5 crores ($1 million) to help in providing aid to people impacted by the COVID-19. The franchise along with players, owners, and management have contributed towards the cause to help with immediate support. 

Pat Cummins became the very first person to provide a helping hand donating $50,000 (Rs 37.3 lakh) to UNICEF Australia to aid their COVID crisis appeal in India. Legendary fast bowler and commentator on Star India for IPL 2021, Brett Lee also promised the sum of 1 Bitcoin (worth nearly Rs 41 lakh) to Crypto Relief.