IPL 2021: If You Can Bring A Smile On Someone’s Face, Then You Have Done Well – BCCI Tells Cricketers Amid Covid-19 Wave

IPL 2021: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Tuesday hailed the cricketers for keeping their heads high and entertaining the people despite the ongoing Covid-19 crisis in India. The Board has also promised that safe return will be assured for all the players and support staff after the conclusion of the tournament in May.

BCCI’s message to the players comes after as many as 3 Australian players – Andrew Tye (Rajasthan Royals), Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa (Royal Challengers Bangalore) withdrew from IPL 2021 due to personal reasons amid the Covid-19 crisis.

At a time when the decision to continue IPL 2021 is being questioned, the CEO of BCCI Hemang Amin, in a letter addressed to the franchises, pointed out that players are doing something more important than winning.

India is recording over 3 lakh daily cases for the past few days and the health infrastructure is struggling to handle the rise with shortage of oxygen and some crucial medicines adding to the crisis.

“As some of you have said, ‘if we can help distract people from all the troubles of recent times, even if it is for a short while, we have done a great job’. When you all walk out onto the field, you are bringing hope to millions of people who have tuned in,” Amin wrote.

“If even for a minute, you can bring a smile on someone’s face, then you have done well. While you are professionals and will play to win, this time you are also playing for something much more important,” he concluded.

BCCI Assures Safe Return To Foreign Players

Australia on Tuesday (April 27) suspended all direct passenger flights from India with immediate effect until May 15 due to the “very significant” spike in COVID-19 casesconcludes

The BCCI wrote to the foreign players telling them that their safe return home will be its responsibility once the tournament ends on May 30.

“We understand that many of you are apprehensive about how you will get back home once the tournament concludes… We want to apprise you that you have nothing to worry about,” BCCI COO Hemang Amin said in a letter addressed to the players.

“The BCCI will do everything to ensure that you reach your respective destinations seamlessely. The BCCI is monitoring the situation very closely and is working with the government authorities to make arrangements to get you home once the tournament concludes.

“Be rest assured that the tournament is not over for BCCI till each one of you has reached your home, safe and sound,” he added.

Meanwhile, Amin, in the letter, also said teams, who are put up in strict bio-bubbles. will no longer be allowed to order food from outside.

“…earlier in the tournament, we had permitted food deliveries from outside your designated hotels, but these privileges have also been withdrawn. Apart from this, we have also increased our level of caution to strengthen our bio-bubbles,” it said.

“I am sure you will understand and co-operate with us on these steps taken to strengthen the bubble.”