Australian cricketers might have to let go of their IPL 2020 contracts as the pandemic Coronavirus has affected over 120 people in India.

Cricket Australia (CA) had previously left it upon the players to decide for themselves whether to go to India and compete in the IPL even when the Coronavirus is spreading across the world.

They still maintain that flexibility and still rest the case upon their players. However, their advice, if a player might be seeking one, is that they should let go of their contracts this year.

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CA chief executive Kevin Roberts said, “We can provide advice. We're conscious of the fact that Australian players are individually contracted to the IPL and the time will certainly come very soon where players are going to be really interested and leaning on our perspective as their leader... to advise them in that regard.”

“And then there will also be a perspective from the BCCI and their IPL division within that and together with our players and the BCCI, I am sure players will reach the best possible decisions in uncertain circumstances,” he added.

The Australian newspaper reported that Cricket Australia is reviewing whether it should permit its players to participate in the IPL or The Hundred series in the UK. There are 17 Australian players contracted with different IPL franchisees.

However, if the tournament goes as planned, a total of 17 Australian players might have to think long and hard and take the right decision. Pacer Pat Cummins has bagged a contract worth INR 15.50 crores, which is the most for a foreign player.

He might miss out on something as big as that. Also, Steve Smith (Rajasthan Royals) and David Warner (Sunrisers Hyderabad) might miss out on their captaincy roles.

(With inputs from PTI)