IPL 2021: CA in touch with Australian cricketers, to abide by government’s advice

Cricket Australia (CA), on Monday, April 26, has said that the board is in constant touch with the Aussie cricketers, who are taking part in the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). With the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc in India, CA was clear cut in saying that it would go by the Australian government’s advice.

As per reports, the coronavirus is taking the life of one person every four minutes in the state of New Delhi. On Sunday, April 25, 2767 deaths were reported with almost 3,50,00 positive cases. After the IPL matches took place in Mumbai and Chennai, Delhi and Ahmedabad will be hosting the second leg of the T20 league.

Our thoughts are with the people of India at this difficult time: Cricket Australia

“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 biosecurity protocols,” an official release mentioned, reported by cricket.com.au. “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,” the release added.

As of now, Andrew Tye, Kane Richardson, and Adam Zampa have pulled out from the cash-rich league. However, fast bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile, who said he is being tested for the virus three times a day, planned to stay with his team.

“Everyone’s got their own opinions on it and different situations for them. I was surprised to see AJ go home, and then Zamps and Richo, but when you speak to them, you definitely understand where they’re coming from,” Coulter-Nile told.

“I spoke to Zamps a little while ago and he made a very compelling argument for going home. But for me, I feel like it’s safer for me to stay in the bubble than try and get home at the moment,” he added.

14 Australian cricketers are still remaining in the IPL, including the likes of Steve Smith, David Warner, Pat Cummins among others. The ones from the coaching staff and commentary panel have also stayed back.