IPL 2021: “We are constantly speaking about the outside situation,” says Eoin Morgan

Eoin Morgan, the Kolkata Knight Riders’ skipper, said that it’s possible to play sports in a country amidst a full-fledged lockdown. In the last 13 months or so, lockdowns have taken place in several countries after the COVID-19 pandemic started wreaking havoc. He also added that the players are constantly in touch with the reality outside the bubble.

In India, the second wave of the coronavirus has prompted a number of state governments to take drastic measures. However, Morgan feels that tournaments like the Bundesliga and Premier League have shown the roadmap for conducting sports tournaments even in lockdowns.

Morgan put forth his opinions in the virtual press conference after KKR beat the Punjab Kings, led by KL Rahul, by five wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

“I think when we first came out of the lockdown, I remember the first sport being on TV was probably in New Zealand and in Australia. It was the Rugby Union’s league and then slowly, the Bundesliga started and the Premier League started.

“And that almost displayed that you can play while the country is almost in full lockdown. So, certainly, there’s a template to make that happen, it has happened. But also, as long as it doesn’t disturb what’s happening in the public eye,” Morgan said.

Eoin Morgan lends support and gratitude to the needy

Recently, Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins, who plays under Morgan in KKR, donated $50000 to the Prime Minister’s (PM) Relief Fund for the purchase of oxygen supplies in India. On being asked about whether or not discussions regarding similar matters take place in the dressing room, Morgan replied in the affirmative.

“Yes, we’re constantly talking about this situation that’s unfolding outside of our bubble. It’s not nice to watch from afar considering how lucky we are in a bubble and not be affected by it very much. We obviously lend our support and heartfelt gratitude to everybody who is ill or going through tough times,” he added.

In India, the second wave of COVID-19 has led to nearly three lakh cases being recorded every day. Even as there have been calls to scrap the IPL for the time being, the Indian government believes that the T20 tournament brings pieces of joy to the people amidst the gloomy situation.