The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has stepped in to dispel overseas players’ fears about returning to their country in the wake of the raging pandemic situation in India once the 14th edition of the IPL ends on May 30.
The BCCI’s move comes on a day Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that they were suspending air travel to and from India and asking the cricketers playing in the IPL to use their “own resources” to return home.
The apprehension about such a move by the Australian government had prompted the likes of Andrew Tye, Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa to surrender their respective IPL contracts and be home bound. While Tye has already returned, Richardson and Zampa are expected to take a flight from Mumbai via Doha en route to Melbourne.
Soon after Morrison’s statement, Chris Lynn, who plays for Mumbai Indians, said he has urged Cricket Australia to arrange for charter flights. There’s talk that an Australian commentator has also expressed his desire to end his commitments prematurely.
On Tuesday, the BCCI’s interim chief executive officer Hemang Amin reassured the franchises via an email that elaborate precautionary measures were in place to keep the bio-bubble intact.
Sources told The Telegraph that the BCCI is in talks with government agencies and other concerned cricket Boards to ensure safe return of the cricketers.
The email sent to the CEOs of all franchises also urged the cricketers that besides playing to win “this time you are also playing for something much more important… humanity”.
The BCCI reiterated the players’ social responsibilities in these stressful times.
“As we commenced the second leg, we understand that there are few apprehensions and concerns regarding the general situation in India and the withdrawals of certain cricketers. We completely respect the decision taken by the players and extend our support to them in every way. At the same time, we would also assure you that you are totally safe within the bubble.
“In order to allay any apprehensions and concerns, we are further strengthening our bio-secure environments to keep everyone involved in the tournament safe and healthy. Recently, we increased testing in our bio-bubbles to be extra vigilant. Instead of the stipulated test every five days, we now conduct a test every two days.
“Further, earlier in the tournament, we had permitted food deliveries from outside your designated hotels, but these privileges have also been withdrawn,” Amin’s email said.
“We understand that many of you are apprehensive about how you will get back home once the tournament concludes, which is natural and understandable. We want to apprise you that you have nothing to worry about. The BCCI will do everything to ensure that you reach your respective destinations seamlessly.
“The BCCI is monitoring the situation very closely and is working with the government authorities to make arrangements to get you home once the tournament concludes. Be rest assured that the tournament is not over for BCCI till each one of you has reached your home, safe and sound.
“While you go about playing the sport we all love, you are also doing something really important. As some of you have said, ‘if we can help distract people from all the troubles of recent times, even if it is for a short while, we have done a great job’.
“When you all walk out onto the field, you are bringing hope to millions of people who have tuned in. If, even for a minute, you can bring a smile on someone’s face, then you have done well. While you are professionals and will play to win, this time you are also playing for something much more important… humanity.”
