IPL 2021 Suspended: Foreign players set to return home from Wednesday– After the BCCI suspended the IPL 2021 indefinitely, the foreign players who are stuck for no reasons are set to leave for home beginning from May 5 (Wednesday).
“We have been working on their travel plans in consultation with their respective boards so that each of them reach home safely,” the BCCI official told Reuters requesting anonymity.
“Some of them will return home tomorrow,” he added.
IPL chairman Brijesh Patel has said that the league will facilitate smooth passage for the overseas players.
“Franchises will make their arrangement to send them back. We will extend whatever help is required,” Patel told Reuters.
The assure comes even as Australia has banned travellers from India, including natives, until May 15. There are as many as 40 Aussies in the IPL, 14 of them are players.
Earlier CA and ACA were unable to ease travel for the likes of David Warner and Steve Smith.
“CA and the ACA respect the decision of the Australian Government to pause travel from India until at least May 15 and will not seek exemptions,” it said.
Meanwhile, the Australian board said it was “in direct contact” with the BCCI “to ensure the safe accommodation and repatriation of Australian players, coaches, match officials and commentators back home to Australia”.
Former Australia player and IPL 2021 commentator Michael Slater is currently stranded in the Maldives.
Also Read: IPL 2021 suspended: Stranded Australian players to follow Slater in Maldives
Eoin Morgan and other England players will also find it tough to reach back home as Britain has added India to ‘red list which means the players will have to complete a 10-day quarantine in a hotel.
“The ECB …thanks the BCCI for its commitment to do everything in its powers to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all those taking part in the competition,” an ECB spokesperson said.
ECB, however, said that they are in touch with the English contingent.
Also Read: IPL 2021 Suspended: DC’s Sam Billings, Chris Woakes leave IPL bubble, in transit to UK
Meanwhile, the South African cricket board said it was making arrangements to bring back its players and support staff from India.
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