Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has urged his government and fans to help India, which is battling a massive second wave of coronavirus infection, with oxygen tanks and funds.

Akhtar, called Rawalpindi Express, during his playing days because of his bowling speed, made the appeal on multiple social media platforms – Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

  India is really struggling with Covid-19. Global support needed. Health care system is crashing. Its a pandemic, we are all in it together. Must become each other's support,” Akhtar posted on his Twitter handle.

In a video on his YouTube channel, Akhtar said: “It is impossible for any government to tackle the ongoing crisis. I appeal to my government and fans, to help India. India does need a lot of oxygen tanks. I request everyone to donate and raise funds for India and deliver oxygen tanks to them,”

Sharing a video with a funeral site as the background, he posted on Instagram: "Friends from India sharing these devastating scenes. May Allah make it easy for our neighbours. Global help needed. We must learn & follow SOPs. Things are getting bad here too."

(SAM)