Covid-19 breaches IPL’s bubble
As Covid-19 cases continue to soar across India,
the virus has breached the Indian Premier League bubble with a number of
players and staff from multiple franchises testing positive in the past two days forcing the hand of organisers to postpone the event indefinitely.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) came under continued criticism during the competition as numbers of infections continued to break daily records in India, however they remained resilient that the bio-bubble was secure enough.
Australian players Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson were the first players to withdraw from the competition over covid-19 fears and the safety of players, officials and staff came into the spotlight after the security of the bio-bubble was questioned.
In a statement on Tuesday, the organisers said they were left with no choice.
"The Indian Premier League Governing Council and Board of Control for Cricket in India in an emergency meeting has unanimously decided to postpone (the) IPL 2021 season, with immediate effect," the statement said.
"The BCCI does not want to compromise on the safety of the players, support staff and the other participants involved in organising the IPL.”
The most pressing issue now is the repatriation of players to their respective home countries. BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla told AFP plans are being put in place to get players home
"About the foreign players, as we have said, we will try and ensure all of them get to their homes," he said.
In a statement Cricket South Africa have supported the decision to postpone the tournament given the situation in India.
“CSA supports the decision to put the health and safety interests of all involved in the tournament first and foremost and has made contact with all of the relevant franchises to ensure the expedited travel of all South African players and support staff back to our shores,” the statement said.
“Those travelling back to South Africa will undergo home quarantine in line with the current World Health Organization recommendations.
“CSA and the South African Cricketers Association (SACA) are in contact with all players and are assured of their safety and comfort in their respective locations.
“CSA wishes to extend its well wishes and support to the BCCI and the people of India and thank the BCCI for keeping our players safe during this challenging time.”
