The Indian Premier League tournament has been suspended with immediate effect after a number of players tested positive for COVID19.
NRI Affairs Correspondent
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“The BCCI does not want to compromise on the safety of the players, support staff and the other participants involved in organising the IPL. This decision was taken keeping the safety, health and wellbeing of all the stakeholders in mind.”the BCCI media release said.
The abrupt suspension of the tournament, in response to India’s COVID-19 crisis, has left Australia’s cricketers, coaching staff and commentators, more than 30, in limbo. They are unable to fly home after the Australian government imposed a travel ban and threatened citizens who attempt to return with a hefty penalty or even jail.
The tournament was originally scheduled to end on 30 May – and with the travel ban currently running till 15 May – Cricket Australia was hopeful that the Australians onvolved with IPL would be able to return home at the conclusion of the tournament.
But Tuesday’s suspension of the competition leaves the group uncertain and anxious.
The Indian cricket board (BCCI) said that it would “do everything in its powers to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all the participants in IPL 2021”.
Earlier, Kolkata’s Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier had tested positive for Covid, forcing the rest of the team, including Australians Pat Cummins, Ben Cutting and coach David Hussey, into isolation.
The Delhi Capitals squad, which includes Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis and coaches Ricky Ponting and James Hopes, were the last team to face Kolkata Knight Riders, whose match on Monday was called off after the tournament’s first bubble breach since its beginning. They have all been put in isolation, with the rest of the Delhi squad.
“The BCCI does not want to compromise on the safety of the players, support staff and the other participants involved in organising the IPL. This decision was taken keeping the safety, health and wellbeing of all the stakeholders in mind.”the BCCI media release said.
