Bengaluru, April 26: Royal Challengers Bangalore duo -- Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson -- have joined countryman and Rajashtan Royals overseas professional Andrew Tye in pulling out of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season.
Though personal reasons have been attributed as the reason for the trio to withdraw from the IPL 2021, it is presumed that the recent surge in the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic cases played a major part in their decision.
Between them, Zampa, Richardson and Tye have played just one game in IPL 2021 so far.
"Adam Zampa & Kane Richardson are returning to Australia for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the remainder of #IPL2021. Royal Challengers Bangalore management respects their decision and offers them complete support," an official statement put on the RCB Twitter handle said.
Official Announcment:
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 26, 2021
Adam Zampa & Kane Richardson are returning to Australia for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the remainder of #IPL2021. Royal Challengers Bangalore management respects their decision and offers them complete support.#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers pic.twitter.com/NfzIOW5Pwl
Currently there are 14 Australian players featuring in IPL 2021.
Three other Aussies - Glenn Maxwell, Dan Christian and Daniel Sams -- have decided to stay with RCB along coach Simon Katich.
Earlier Tye, flew from Mumbai to Qatari capital Doha en route to Sydney, the 34-year-old taking the chance to return home after the Australian government announced last week it will stop almost a third of flights from India due to the spike in COVID-19 cases.
IPL 2021: Australia quick Tye leaves Rajasthan Royals camp citing 'personal reasons'
Earlier, ace off-spinner R Ashwin later became the first Indian player to pull out of the cash-rich T20 franchise-based League to support his family in the cause against the dreaded virus.
The Delhi Capitals spinner made the announcement on Twitter after his team's Super Over win against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
IPL 2021: Ashwin to take a break to support family in the fight against COVID-19
India has seen a sudden in spike in the number of COVID-19 cases , causing alarm bells all over.
Despite it, the organisers have decided to go ahead with the tournament.
After the completion of 20 matches at two venues -- Chennai and Mumbai --, the IPL 2021 caravan is moving to Ahmedabad and New Delfi from Monday (April 26).
(With inputs from Agencies)