‘How Are Franchises & Government Spending So Much On IPL?’ – Andrew Tye Questions Amidst Covid-19 Situation In India
The Delhi Capitals off-spinner said that he will return to the IPL if the situation improves as he will return home on Monday after his side's game
The ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League is getting affected with the overseas players opting out of the tournament amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, many are also criticizing the Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) for conducting the IPL 2021 amidst the pandemic.
Many parts of India, including the IPL host cities, are in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic. There have been 300,000 new cases every day – the most by any nation since the pandemic broke out in 2020 – which has led to crippling of healthcare services throughout the length and breadth of the country.
Rajasthan Royals’ Andrew Tye is one of the latest players to pull out of the cash-rich league, while Adam Zampa and kane Richardson are other overseas player who opted out of the tournament and will head back to their home soon.
While Zampa and Richardson have said that they have opted out of the tournament due to personal reasons. Andrew Tye, on the other hand has gave a controversial reply, when asked about his decision of opting out of the tournament.
Tye stated that he was concerned about the safe passage back home and feared contracting the virus that has ravaged the country. Andrew Tye, further said that he is baffled with a question about whether the IPL should continue at all in this situation when the patients are struggling to get admitted to hospitals.
“From a player safety point of view, we’re safe now but is it going to stay safe?
“But looking at it from an Indian point of view, how are these companies and franchises spending so much money, and the government, on the IPL when there’s people not being able to get accepted into hospital?” he said according to cricket.com.au.
At the same time, the Aussie pacer also accepted the fact that the sport, and especially IPL in India, can bring joy to the people during these tough times.
“If sport can continue and be one of those avenues to relieve stress or give a glimmer of hope that the world is OK and there is light at the end of the tunnel, I think it should go ahead. But I know that’s not everyone’s feelings and I completely respect everyone’s views from all angles,” the Aussie pacer added.
Ravichandran Ashwin Takes Break From IPL 2021 To Support His Family in COVID-19 Crisis
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has also taken a break from the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and will be returning home in Chennai, where he played his side’s last game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, which the men in blue won.
Ashwin said that his family and extended family are fighting a battle against COVID-19 and it was important for him to stay with them and support them in these tough times. He communicated this message on Twitter tagging his franchise. The 34-year old also suggested that he may return to the DC setup again in this season if the situation improves.
Taking to Twitter, Ashwin wrote, “I would be taking a break from this years IPL from tomorrow. My family and extended family are putting up a fight against #COVID19 and I want to support them during these tough times. I expect to return to play if things go in the right direction. Thank you @DelhiCapitals.”
