Coronavirus: Shahid Afridi and Heather Knight among current and former players helping people on the ground

These are difficult times for everyone. The coronavirus pandemic has sent a large portion of the world indoors, and that has greatly affected those who are not in a position to fend for themselves. Food, medicine and other amenities are some of the basic needs that are currently beyond many across the world. Even well-prepared countries are struggling to withstand the pressure exerted by the virus. During these tough times, many current and former players have made sizeable contributions to charities and relief work across the world. Some have gone a step further and are out on the field, trying to reduce the burden of those on the forefront of the battle against the virus. Here we look at some current and former players who are doing their bit to make the lives of those around them a little easier. _________________ England women’s cricket team captain Heather Knight is among those who have have signed up for the volunteer scheme of the UK’s national health service (NHS). "I have a lot of free time on my hands and I want to help as much as I can," Knight wrote in her column for the BBC . "My brother and his partner are doctors, and I have a few friends who work in the NHS, so I know how hard they are working and how difficult it is for everyone. "I'm going to get the car out as I've volunteered to transport medicine, and also speak to people who are self-isolating." Pakistan star cricketer Shahid Afridi has devoted a big part of his life to charity through the Shahid Afridi Foundation. With the pandemic expected to inflict considerable damage in the underprivileged parts of South Asia, Afridi has taken it upon himself to provide relief. Afridi, 40, has been donating food, disinfectants, masks and other amenities to those who need it the most in Pakistan. Here is a name quite a few cricket fans may have forgotten. Former India all-rounder Joginder Sharma bowled the famous last over of the inaugural World T20 in 2007, which the men in blue won. His days on the cricket field are long behind him. Now he is part of the police force in the northern Indian state of Haryana. As part of his duty, Sharma patrols the streets and helps those who need to buy essentials. "Our duty time starts around 6am. We do our patrolling, making people aware, and helping those in need of essentials or medical aid," Sharma told the Press Trust of India . Another former player turned policeman. The former India field hockey star is a member of Punjab police and his duty now includes distributing essential items to the needy in his state.

Coronavirus: Shahid Afridi and Heather Knight among current and former players helping people on the ground

While many sports stars have donated to charities, some are doing the legwork themselves