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Brett Lee, the brand ambassador of SportsAdda, has announced a donation of 1 BTC (Bitcoin), which is approximately INR 41 lakh, towards relief measures against COVID-19 in India.

The former Australian cricketer, who is currently in India as a member of the Indian T20 League broadcast team, has donated to a community-run fund, Crypto Relief, for the purchase of oxygen supplies.

Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency, a digital currency maintained by a decentralised system through cryptography unlike centralised institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India for the Indian rupee or the Federal Reserve System for the US dollar.

India is currently reeling under the devastating second wave of the pandemic, which has led to a sharp spike in infections and strained the country’s health infrastructure.

“India has always been like a second home for me,” Brett Lee said in a statement on Twitter.

“The love and affection that I have got from the people of this country both during my professional career and even after my retirement, holds a special place in my heart. It saddens me deeply to see people suffering due to the ongoing pandemic,” said the former fast bowler.

The 44-year-old Brett Lee played for Punjab and Kolkata in the Indian T20 League and since his retirement, has had several commentary stints in India. 

The Aussie great also thanked the frontline workers for their work during this pandemic and urged people to minimise non-emergency travels and follow all safety protocols.

“I request people to please take care, stay at home, wash your hands and head out only if absolutely necessary, wear a mask and maintain social distancing.”

 

Brett Lee was inspired by another Australian cricketer, Pat Cummins, for this initiative after the latter donated USD 50,000 (approximately INR 37.2 lakh) to the PM Cares Fund, specifically to purchase oxygen supplies for India’s hospitals.

“As players, we are privileged to have a platform that allows us to reach millions of people that we can use for good,” tweeted Cummins, who is currently playing for Kolkata in the Indian T20 League.

Other cricketers, including Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh and Steve Waugh have also come forward with a helping hand to aid the country in its fight against the coronavirus.

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