The ALS Ice bucket challenge is a recent internet sensation that has spurred a number of celebrities to pour a a bucket of ice cold water on themselves. Seems like a crazy thing to do but it is being done for a noble cause.

Why is it done?

The intention is to raise awareness about ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a neurodegenerative disease.

How it works?

It started off by a person either taking up the challenge within 24 hours or donating money to the ALS Association. Soon people began to actively take up the challenge, donate money and involve more people in the endeavour by sending out challenges. It has been quite a success as well. The New York Timesreported that ALS have received $41.8 million from July 29 to August 21 this year, more than double received at the end of January 31, 2013.

Who's been challenged?

Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Tom Cruise, Tiger Woods, Novak Djokovic, David Beckham, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry... the list is endless.

Cricketers' who have accepted and pulled off the Ice Bucket Challenge

Chris Gayle, Yuvraj Singh, Kevin Pietersen, Darren Sammy have all taken up the challenges and carried it forward as well. Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Shane Warne, James Anderson and Dale Steyn were some of the latest ones to accept the challenge. Steyn in fact took it to new heights by pulling off the challenge while bungee jumping.

Check out these videos, some of which are hilarious: