"I encourage my fellow IPL players - and anyone else around the world who has been touched by India's passion and generosity - to contribute. I will kick it off with $50,000."
Meanwhile, as the coronavirus situation in India has escalated, three Australian cricketers have left the IPL bio-bubble. Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa of Royal Challengers Bangalore had dropped out earlier in the day due to personal reasons. Rajasthan Royals pacer Andrew Tye had previously left for Perth, fearful of being "locked out" of his own country due to the situation in India.
After nearly ten months in a bio-secure climate, England's Liam Livingstone returned home last week, citing "bubble fatigue."
IPL 2021 consists of 20 matches, with games taking place in Chennai and Mumbai. The wagon is now on its way to Delhi, India's capital, and Ahmedabad, Gujarat.