IPL 2021: Australia PM asks players to take charge of travel arrangements as the T20 league isn't a national duty

The second wave of coronavirus has caused a medical emergency in India. There has been a sudden spike in the Covid-19 tally with India reporting more than three lakh cases daily. The tough situation in the country has also affected the ongoing 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as it is learned that the overseas players are nervous regarding their stay in the country.

Witnessing the  COVID-19 situation in India, Australia has banned direct flights from India till May 15. This is a major concern for the Australian players as if the ban gets extended, they won’t be able to reach back to their home after the conclusion of IPL 2021. Adding to the misery, Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison has on Tuesday (April 27) made it clear that the Australian cricketers participating in IPL won’t be provided with any special treatment.

Scott reckoned that the players traveled to India using their own resources and will thus have to make their own arrangements to return home. The Prime Minister further added that the players aren’t on national duty for the government to take any pains for their travel. 

As reported by The Guardian, Morrison said: “They have traveled there privately. This wasn’t part of an Australian tour. They’re under their own resources and they’ll be using those resources too, I’m sure, to see them return to Australia in accordance with their own arrangements.”

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

Notably, over the weekend, three Australian players including the likes Andrew Tye, Kane Richardson, and Adam Zampa pulled out their names from the tournament and returned back home seeing the rise of the coronavirus cases in India. However, they are still 14 Australian players who are present in India.

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia also opined on the issue stating that they are in constant touch with all the players, support staff, and coaches participating in IPL 2021. CA said in a statement, “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.”

It concluded, “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.”

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