On Wednesday, the Australia Cricketers Association (ACA) decided to launch an Emergency Assistance Fund to help former and current players. Such drastic steps were taken due to the COVID-19 outbreak in Australia. As of now, the Australia Cricket Association is awaiting government aid on the same.

The Australia Cricket Association released a statement on the same which said, “The impact of the Coronavirus pandemic is affecting many of our past player members, as well as those current players who rely on additional income for a sustainable wage. To help bridge the gap for our members who are waiting on government support to be made available to them, we have launched the ACA Emergency Assistance Fund.”

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ACA’s General Manager, Member Programs and Relations Kelly Applebee said that the $250,000 fund would help them in providing provisional relief to those former players and members who are facing health isuues and don’t have the required amount of money for treatment.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has brought the world to a standstill with many countries being completely lockdown for safety and to contain the spread of the virus. Many major sporting events have either been postponed or canceled in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic affecting the globe. Cricket has also suffered a similar fate with all international and domestic matches being canceled. Many players and coaches are training indoors to keep themselves fit once the world returns to normalcy.

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Originated in China, the COVID-19 Virus has affected more than 1,519,195 people so far. It is also responsible for killing over 88,529 people globally. The pandemic spread of the virus has affected more than 6,100 people across Australia taking away more than 50 lives. A US-based Johns Hopkins University’s report says that the COVID-19 has spread to at least 184 countries and regions.