Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) spinner Adam Zampa, who returned home after pulling out of the IPL 2021 due to COVID-19 concerns, has issued clarification regarding his statement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) bio-bubble in India being vulnerable.
Adam Zampa was one of four overseas players to pull out of the tournament with Kane Richardson, Andrew Tye, and Liam Livingstone being the others.
Zampa had told Sydney Morning Herald about the bio-bubble in IPL 2021 in India being vulnerable. He felt the bubble made for the IPL 2020 in the UAE was stronger and he felt safer in that bubble.
When asked about how strong the bio-bubble is in India, Zampa said: "We've been in a few bubbles now, and I feel like this is probably the most vulnerable. I just feel like because it's India, we're always being told about the hygiene over here and being extra careful ... I just felt like it was the most vulnerable. The IPL that was held in Dubai six months ago didn't feel that way at all. I felt like that was extremely safe."
Zampa was criticized for his comments on the IPL 2021 bio-bubble with BCCI pulling out all stops to ensure that players are safe and sound while playing cricket in India.
This led to Zampa clarifying that his comments on IPL 2021 bubble being vulnerable didn’t mean he thought that the virus would get in.
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“Thanks to everyone for the messages of concern. Kane and I have both reached Melbourne safe and sound. Firstly, thanks to RCB Management for the way they dealt with the situation. As soon as we made the choice that we felt the right thing to do was to come home, they were fully supportive and did everything they could to help. Their understanding of the situation made the process a lot easier," said Zampa in an official statement released by RCB.
"Secondly, my comments about the vulnerability of the IPL bubble had nothing to do with feeling like the virus would enter the bubble at any stage. The BCCI and RCB had many precautions to make us feel safe. I believe the tournament is in great hands and will definitely see the finish line. I am understanding the velocity of the situation in India and my thoughts go out to the whole country. It was a personal choice to leave for several reasons," he added.
(ANI inputs)
