IPL 2021: Australians stranded after cancelation of tournament; CA and BCCI in talks for safe repatriation with Maldives as an option

IPL 2021: Australians stranded after cancelation of tournament; CA and BCCI in talks for safe repatriation with Maldives as an option

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

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took the decision of suspending the Indian Premier League (IPL) for an indefinite period of time due to the COVID-19 virus breaching the teams’ bio-bubbles. The announcement came after there were two more cases along with yesterday’s nine reported in Wriddhiman Saha for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Amit Mishra of Delhi Capitals (DC).

The BCCI also announced a statement saying that the decision was taken keeping the safety, health and wellbeing of all the stakeholders in mind. Reassurance was given to overseas players as well, stating that everything in the BCCI’s powers would be done to ensure they get home safely. Despite the same, there is a lot of concern among the Australians now due to a travel ban being in place in their country.

Australians can’t travel home due to travel ban

David Warner
David Warner

The Australian government took a decision on the 30th of April regarding the return of Australians from India stating that the borders will be closed for flights from India till May 15. The government also stated that a 5-year jail term along with a big fine would be imposed on those who enter Australia after having been in India in the previous 14 days since their arrival in their country.

This would mean that the Australian cricketer are stranded in India till at least May 15. Unless the government arranges a chartered flight as the players have been demanding for quite some time, they won’t be able to legally make it back home. The BCCI did say, “The BCCI will do everything in its powers to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all the participants in IPL 2021.”

Cricket Australia meanwhile, released a statement about the situation and said, “Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association understand the decision of the BCCI to indefinitely postpone the 2021 Indian Premier League for the safety and wellbeing of all participants. CA is in direct contact with the BCCI as they work through plans to ensure the safe accommodation and repatriation of Australian players, coaches, match officials, and commentators back home to Australia.”

The destination that is expected to be the channel to stay in till May 15 before travelling to Australia is the Maldives Islands and talks are on regarding the prospect. It remains to be seen what further decision is taken by the BCCI, CA and the Australian government.

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