IPL 2021: “IPL is going ahead”, says BCCI amid early exits by players as COVID cases surge in India

R Ashwin and some Australian players have opted out of the ongoing IPL in the last 24 hours.

R Ashwin took an indefinite break from the ongoing IPL | BCCI/IPLAmid the unprecedented crisis caused by COVID-19 pandemic in India, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and some Australian players opted out of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) in the last 24 hours.

Despite the unpleasant development, BCCI on Monday (April 26) insisted that the cash-rich tournament will go on.

Competing for Delhi Capitals (DC), Ashwin decided to take an indefinite break from the IPL 2021, citing that he needs to be with his family and extended family as they fight the deadly second wave of COVID-19. He hoped to return to the side "if things go in the right direction".

However, Andrew Tye, who was part of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) franchise, left the tournament midway as he feared getting "locked out" of his own country while RCB’s Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson decided to pull out of the competition due to personal reasons.

"As of now, IPL is going ahead. Obviously, if anyone wants to leave, that's perfectly fine," a senior BCCI official told PTI on the conditions of anonymity.

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association on Monday (April 26) issued a joint statement, saying that they are monitoring the situation

"Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association remain in regular contact with Australian players, coaches and commentators taking part in the Indian Premier League, which is being conducted under strict bio-security protocols," the two bodies said.

"We will continue to listen to feedback from those on the ground in India and the advice of the Australian Government. Our thoughts are with the people of India at this difficult time."

Players from England and New Zealand are also taking part in the IPL 2021 but they haven't expressed their concerns yet.

"We continue to monitor and work with the players on an individual basis. Our thoughts are with the people of India during these difficult times," a spokesperson of the England and Wales Cricket Board told PTI.

India is reporting over 3 lakh COVID-19 cases for the past few days and the health infrastructure is struggling to cope with the crisis.

The IPL final is scheduled to be held on May 30 in Ahmedabad.

(With PTI inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 26 Apr, 2021

    Share Via