Last Updated on 4 years ago by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: Australia cricketers donate prizemoney to Sri Lanka appeal | Australia players donate prizemoney from SL tour

Australia’s cricketers have donated the prizemoney earnt from the recent Sri Lanka tour towards supporting children and families affected by the country’s economic crisis.

Australia will donate AU$45,000 to the organisation’s Sri Lanka appeal. The team were in Sri Lanka in June and July for ten matches across formats and witnessed what was happening in the country. In fact, there were even peaceful protests conducted outside Galle International Stadium during the second Test.

During the same Test, thousands stormed into the Presidential suite, forcing the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapaksa who has since fled Sri Lanka and is seeking entry into Thailand.

Captains lead donations to Sri Lanka appeal

Test and white-ball captains Pat Cummins and Aaron Finch led the initiative. Cummins is a UNICEF Australia ambassador, and previously spoke about how the tour was “more than just cricket.”

“It was very clear to us how much day-to-day life for Sri Lankans is being impacted,” he said.

“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.”

Finch was touched about how the Sri Lankan public welcomed the Australian team, especially in the white-ball matches. The opener hopes that the donation can make a difference and “help lift their spirits in some small way.”

This donation follows Pat Cummins’ $50,000 donation to India in the peak of their COVID-19 crisis in 2021.

How the $45,000 donation will help

The funds donated will help provide critical services for about 1.7 million vulnerable children in need. UNICEF’s programs support nutrition, clean drinking water, education and other key services.

“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,” said Tony Stuart, CEO of UNICEF Australia.

The Australia team is now preparing for an upcoming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe that will kickstart a huge home season.