IPL 2021: Australian contingent departs for Maldives; Michael Hussey stays back

IPL 2021: Australian contingent departs for Maldives; Michael Hussey stays back

Michael Hussey

The Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) was suspended indefinitely two days ago after the COVID-19 pandemic breached the teams’ bio-bubbles. With more than 5 positive cases being reported among the personnel inside the teams’ bubbles, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) undertook an emergency meeting where it was decided that the tournament had to be halted.

In its statement, the BCCI further assured that the priority would be to get all players back home safely amid the dire situation in the country and around the world. While the other overseas stars don’t face a lot of hassles, the Australian government has issued a travel ban on flights from India and hence, the Aussies won’t be able to get home before May 15 when the ban will/might be lifted.

Therefore, Cricket Australia, BCCI and the Australian government discussed the issue and decided that the whole contingent would travel to Maldives and stay there till the ban is lifted before returning home.

Australian contingent en route Maldives at the moment

Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Ricky Ponting, Glenn Maxwell and David Warner
Australians Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Ricky Ponting, Glenn Maxwell and David Warner

Cricket Australia has now released a statement saying that the Aussies are en route Maldives at the moment after safely being transported from India. They wrote, “Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association can confirm that Australian players, coaches, match officials and commentators have been safely transported from India and are en route to the Maldives.”

“The Australians will remain in the Maldives until the conclusion of the travel pause pertaining to flights from India to Australia. As previously stated, CA and ACA are not seeking an exemption from the Australian Government. CA and ACA extend their sincere thanks to the BCCI for their responsiveness in moving the Australians less than two days after the decision to postpone the IPL.”

The statement also revealed that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey who tested positive for COVID-19 is experiencing mild symptoms and is in the care of the franchise in Chennai. The CA and ACA further reassured that they would work with the BCCI to ensure Hussey returns to Australia safely.

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