The BCCI said on Tuesday that it will do everything possible to ensure that international players playing in the IPL 2021 hit their respective countries smoothly after the tournament ended, a day after three Australians dropped out due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in India. Andrew Tye (Rajasthan Royals) and Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa (both Royal Challengers Bangalore) withdrew after a couple of weeks of the league being played in front of vacant stands at six different venues.
“We appreciate that all of you are concerned with how you can get home after the tournament is over… “We want you to know that you have nothing to think about,” BCCI CEO Hemang Amin wrote in a letter to the players.
“The BCCI will do whatever possible to guarantee that you arrive at your respective destinations on time.” The BCCI is closely watching the situation and is coordinating with government officials to make plans to bring you home after the tournament is over.
“Be confident that the tournament will not be over for BCCI until every one of you has safely returned home,” he said.
Over the past few days, India has reported over 3 lakh daily cases, and the health system is unable to keep up, with a lack of oxygen and some critical drugs exacerbating the situation.
The coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders, David Hussey, admitted that Australians in the IPL are “a little worried” about returning home in light of the situation here.
Amin praised the players for their perseverance. “As some of you have said, ‘if we can help divert people from all of the recent problems, even if only for a brief period, we have done a fine job.’ When you all come out onto the stage, you are giving millions of people who have tuned in hope.
“If even for a moment, you can put a smile on someone’s face, you’ve done well.” Although you are professionals and will play to win, you are all competing for something much more meaningful this time,” he concluded.
Several players from England and New Zealand are also playing in the event but have not yet spoken out about their issues.
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association issued a joint statement stating that they are in regular contact with their clubs, coaches, match officials, and commentators in India and are monitoring the situation closely.
