With the deadly COVID-19 virus has crept into the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) bio-bubble, Cricket South Africa (CSA) director Graeme Smith has extended his support to the Proteas players taking part in the ongoing T20 league in the worst-affected Asian country.
As many as 11 South African players, including Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, and Faf du Plessis, are currently participating in the ongoing IPL 2021 for various teams in India.
Smith has further insisted that the CSA is always there to help and will also assist the players' featuring in the ongoing IPL 2021 if there are any concerns, but said the ultimate decision rests with the cricketers to decide if they want to continue playing in the tournament amid the COVID-19 outbreak in India.
Smith was quoted as saying by iol. co.za: “We've offered support to the players and made ourselves available to them should there be any concerns. Ultimately, it is in their hands to make a choice (about their continued participation).”
The Coronavirus outbreak left the ongoing IPL 14 in serious trouble as Kolkata Knight Riders’ Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier tested COVID-19 positive, forcing the postponement of their game against Royal Challengers Bangalore, while there were reports of the virus in Chennai Super Kings camp.
(With PTI Inputs)
