Australia Cricketers Donate Prize Money From Tour To Sri Lankan Children

Australia's cricket stars have donated prize money from their recent Sri Lanka tour to help the crisis-hit nation's children, officials said on Thursday. Cricket Australia said US$30,000 would be donated as a gesture of support, after the men's squad witnessed long fuel queues and political demonstrations during the mid-year tour. Soaring inflation and widespread fuel shortages have made life tough for millions of Sri Lankans. The United Nations has declared a humanitarian crisis and widespread protests led to the ouster of the country's president and prime minister.

Media release: UNICEF Australia extends thank you to the Australian men's cricket team, led by @patcummins30 & @AaronFinch5 after prize money ($45,000) from recent tour is donated to UNICEF's Sri Lanka appeal. @UNICEF_SriLankaLearn more & donate: https://t.co/dGrJnzFnSG pic.twitter.com/VOKTTcPWoY

The visiting Australians saw the crisis first-hand.

"It was very clear to us how much day-to-day life for Sri Lankans is being impacted," captain Pat Cummins said.

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The money will go to UN children's aid agency UNICEF.

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