With the current situation of the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic that is going on in the country, Australian Players, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson, and Andrew Tye had left IPL 2021 and gone back home citing personal issues. After this trio returned, there were talks about some of the other Australian players also wishing to go back home because of the Australian Government cancelling flights from India.
Cricket Australia interim CEO Nick Hockley has now said that there are no immediate plans for arranging charter flights to bring back Australian players once the Indian Premier League concludes on May 30.
As per cricket.com.au. Hockley has said that currently there are no plans or suggestions for any charter flight. The board is however working closely and talking closely with the ACA (Australian Cricketers’ Association), with the players, and with the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to resolve this situation.
Hockley added that the players seem to be in good spirits generally. The work the BCCI has done around the biosecure bubble means they are feeling safe and secure. Further talking about IPL 2021, Hockley said that the players have made their own decision to go and compete in the IPL on their own time, so technically they are there under their own auspices. However, CA remains concerned for their safety and wellbeing.
Meanwhile Aussie Commentator, Micheal Slaters has slammed the govt, especially after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that cricketers in the IPL will have to make their own arrangements to return home. Slater took to Twitter to slam his government for not helping out Australians in the tournament.
If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home. It's a disgrace!! Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this. How about you sort out quarantine system. I had government permission to work on the IPL but I now have government neglect
— Michael Slater (@mj_slats) May 3, 2021
Meanwhile, Australian cricket has made a phenomenal gesture to help India fight COVID-19 Crisis Appeal, with Cricket Australia, the Australian Cricketers’ Association, and UNICEF Australia partnering to raise much-needed funds. Pat Cummins has also diverted his donation of $50,000 from the PM Cares fund to this UNICEF funs.