Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has appealed to fans in Pakistan to come forward and help India tackle the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
India is experiencing its worst COVID-19 crisis with record numbers of new cases and deaths per day since the pandemic broke out last year.
“It is impossible for any government to tackle the ongoing crisis. I appeal to my government and fans, to help India. India does need a lot of oxygen tanks. I request everyone to donate and raise funds for India and deliver oxygen tanks to them,” Akhtar said in a video on his YouTube channel, a message he also tweeted.
The former Pakistan pacer expressed solidarity with citizens of India and said “we must become each other’s support” in these testing times amid the pandemic.
“India is really struggling with Covid-19. Global support needed. Health care system is crashing. Its a Pandemic, we are all in it together. Must become each other’s support,” Akhtar tweeted.
India is really struggling with Covid-19. Global support needed. Health care system is crashing. Its a Pandemic, we are all in it together. Must become each other's support.
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) April 23, 2021
Full video: https://t.co/XmNp5oTBQ2#IndiaNeedsOxygen #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/vX1FCSlQjs
Earlier, Faisal Edhi’s offer of help to India drew a great response. The Pakistan India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy were among many urging the Indian government to accept the Edhi Foundation’s offer.
Pakistani social media users have made the hashtag #IndianLivesMatter go viral, along with offers of help pouring in. Pakistanis at home and abroad have also been coordinating and donating resources to help COVID-19 affected people in India.
Actor Swara Bhaskar is among the many who has appreciated these gestures. “Heartening to see Pakistani civil society & social media reach out in solidarity & kindness to India, during this devastating time”, she tweeted, thanking
Pakistanis for being “bada dil Padosi” (large hearted neighbours).
Shoaib Akhtar has also urged BCCI and PCB both to “rethink if this is a good time to continue the IPL or restart the PSL. Things are tough. All resources should go towards helping people in these devastating times”.
BCCI & PCB should both rethink if this is a good time to continue the IPL or restart the PSL. Things are tough. All resources should go towards helping people in these devastating times.
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) April 25, 2021
Check out the complete video on https://t.co/F6Wp1VNszn#cricket #IPL2021 #psl #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/QFLAaoA7hG
India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also appealed for India to unite in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and urged citizens to follow Covid-19 appropriate behaviour. He thanked healthcare workers for their services.
“Right now more than ever we need to be united in our fight against Covid-19. Please wear a mask, follow social distancing and let’s adhere to the government norms. As citizens, we must be responsible, and I thank the doctors, nurses for their selfless service in these tough times,” he tweeted.
Echoing similar sentiments, batsman Suresh Raina said the medical infrastructure system is collapsing and urged people to stay home and help the frontline workers to do their job.
“India is battling a crisis situation today. The medical infrastructure is slowly collapsing, resources depleting and more lives at risk than ever before. There is no pain greater than seeing your loved one fight the battle.
“My humble request to everyone – if you have the choice to stay home, please do it to keep yourself, your family and your nation safe. Do your bit to help the doctors, police, paramedics and govt authorities do their job. That is the need of the hour!” Raina tweeted.
— AKA report with inputs from Times of India, April 24, 2021
