Coronavirus: Karnataka State Cricket Association pledges Rs 1 crore to PM-CARES fund

Following the footsteps of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has pledged a sum of Rs 50 Lakhs each to Central government and the state government.

The move is to help curb and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. "KSCA through BCCI wishes to contribute Rs 50 Lakhs to Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM-CARES) Fund and Rs 50 Lakhs toward CM Karnataka Government State relief fund," KSCA said in a statement.

KSCA said the donation will strengthen the centre and the state government in their disaster management capacities.

"The donation to the Prime Minister`s Fund and the Chief Minister`s Fund is towards strengthening the central and state in this disaster management capacities and encourage research to combat COVID-19 and protect the citizens," the statement read.

"The KSCA will continue to monitor and work closely with the Government of a Karnataka and other state regulatory bodies and we are committed to providing any other necessary support to the state machinery," it added.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has reported that there are 979 confirmed cases of coronavirus cases in the country. Out of the total cases, 86 people have been cured or discharged, while 25 deaths have been reported.

To contain coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Tuesday announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown.