ORIGINAL ARTICLE: BCCI says IPL Season will Continue despite Player Dropouts
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is insisting the IPL will continue despite the rapid second wave of Covid-19.
India’s second wave of the virus is leaving the country struggling to cope.
The rise in cases and shortage of supplies have also resulted in multiple cricketers withdrawing from the league.
As the situation continues to worsen, many international players are concerned about how they will be able to return home.
However, despite the number of dropouts, the BCCI remains confident that the IPL can continue.
A senior official of the BCCI said:
“As of now, IPL is going ahead. Obviously, if anyone wants to leave, that’s perfectly fine.”
Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is one of many players to withdraw from the league amid the surge in Covid-19 cases.
According to the 34-year-old, he decided to take a break from the IPL to support his family.
However, Ashwin also said he hopes to return to the Delhi Capitals if the situation improves.
I would be taking a break from this years IPL from tomorrow. My family and extended family are putting up a fight against #COVID19 and I want to support them during these tough times. I expect to return to play if things go in the right direction. Thank you @DelhiCapitals ??
— Stay home stay safe! Take your vaccine?? (@ashwinravi99) April 25, 2021
In a tweet from Sunday, April 25, 2021, Ashwin said:
“I would be taking a break from this years IPL from tomorrow.
“My family and extended family are putting up a fight against #COVID19 and I want to support them during these tough times.
“I expect to return to play if things go in the right direction. Thank you @DelhiCapitals.”
Delhi Capitals’ captain Shreyas Iyer has also dropped out of the 2021 IPL.
India’s rampant second wave of Covid-19 is causing a rise in fatalities and a shortage in supplies.
Therefore, many cricketers are worried about travelling back home.
Kolkata Knight Riders mentor David Hussey reveals that the Australian cricketers competing in the IPL are nervous about being able to return home.
Speaking to Sydney Morning Herald, Hussey said:
“Everyone is sort of a bit nervous about whether they can get back into Australia.
“I dare say there will be a few other Australians a bit nervous about getting back into Australia.”
However, according to Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association, they are continuing to provide support for the Australian players.
In a joint statement made on Monday, April 26, 2021, they said:
“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.
“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.”
Other international cricketers withdrawing from the league are Australia’s Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa, and England’s Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes.
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