Rajasthan Royals (RR) pacer Andrew Tye, who opted out of the IPL 2021 due to the COVID-19 surge in India said that it is amazing how the franchises are spending an insane amount of money on cricket at a time when their country is facing an unprecedented health crisis.

Andrew Tye flew back to Australia on Sunday and opted himself out of the IPL 14. The pacer cited bubble fatigue and concerns over India’s growing COVID-19 numbers as the causes behind his impromptu withdrawal. 

While talking to cricket.com.au, Andrew Tye wondered how the Indian government and franchises are spending so much money on IPL 2021 when people are facing a health crisis in the country.

IPL 2021: Andrew Tye opens up about his exit from IPL 14 mid-tournament

“Looking at it from an Indian point of view, how are these companies and franchises spending so much money, and the government, on the IPL when there’s people not being able to get accepted into hospital?” Andrew Tye told Cricket.com.au.

Tye further said that the league should go ahead if it was a means to relieving stress or giving a glimmer of hope to those who are suffering due to the COVID-19 

“If sport can continue and be one of those avenues to relieve stress or give a glimmer of hope that the world is OK and there is light at the end of the tunnel, I think it should go ahead. But I know that’s not everyone’s feelings and I completely respect everyone’s views from all angles,” he said. 

Apart from Andrew Tye, Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have also opted out of the IPL 2021, citing personal reasons. 

Tye, however, didn’t feature in any of the IPL matches for Rajasthan Royals this season. The Sanju Samson-led franchise will next face defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) on 29th April at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. 

(PTI/Cricket.com.au Inputs)