IPL 2021: ECB denies withdrawal of England players from the season
There is a threat looming over the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as many overseas players are worried regarding the increasing number of covid-19 cases in India. It is reported that the medical crisis in the country has left the players uneasy and a handful of overseas players are thinking on the lines of returning back to their country by leaving the tournament mid-way.
During the weekend, as many as three Australian players including Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, and Kane Richardson have pulled out their names from the T20 Championship and travelled back to Australia citing personal reasons. India’s ace all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin also left the Delhi Capitals bio-bubble to support his family in the tough times.
As the IPL franchises are concerned regarding the availability of the overseas players, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that the English players have no immediate plans of making an exit from the tournament. ECB stated that they are in constant touch with the players and are providing them with regular advice and information.
A spokesperson for the ECB told PA: “We continue to monitor and work with the players on an individual basis. We are offering advice daily to those that seek it. Our thoughts are with the people of India during these difficult times.”
IPL 2021 has 11 English players
As many as 11 England players are present in India to participate in IPL 2021. Initially, 14 English players were selected for the tournament but three players had to return back due to a variety of reasons. The speedster Jofra Archer couldn’t travel to India for the league as he injured his hand and had to undergo surgery.
Ben Stokes returned to England after suffering an injury while playing for Rajasthan Royals against Punjab Kings. RR’s other overseas player, Liam Livingstone also left the bio bubble last week citing bubble fatigue.
This leaves IPL 2021 with 11 English players including the likes of Eoin Morgan (Kolkata Knight Riders), Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals), Moeen Ali, Sam Curran (Chennai Super Kings), Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy (Sunrisers Hyderabad), Chris Woakes, Sam Billings, Tom Curran (Delhi Capitals), Chris Jordan, David Malan (Punjab Kings).
