New Delhi: Many top Australian cricketers, including Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain David Warner and Delhi Capitals (DC) player Steve Smith, may soon return to Australia from India. Australian PM Scott Morrison announced a ban on flights from India until 15 May. If both these players pull out then it will be a big setback for IPL 2021.
The report from 9 News said, ‘Many leading Australian cricketers, including David Warner and Steve Smith, are now expected to be out of India in India before the border closes.’ David Warner is leading the Sunrisers Hyderabad while Steve Smith is playing for the Delhi Capitals. “We have 30 players, coaches and commentators who are naturally keen to get out of India,” the report said.
Three players have already left
17 Australian players are participating in IPL 2021. Three of these – Adam Jampa, Ken Richardson (RCB), and Andrew Tye (RR) have already returned home. Ty told cricket.com that he does not want to go out of the country. Ricky Ponting (DC), David Hussey (KKR), and Simon Katich (RCB) as well as commentators Brett Lee, Michael Slater, and Matthew Hayden are in India. The report said that talks are on to bring the players back by chartered plane.
May have to be quarantined in another country
Cricket Australia, however, stated that there is no chartered scheme for players at this point. The second option is being discussed. A third-country may have to be quarantined before reaching Australia. However, before this, the BCCI has made it clear that it is committed to sending all the foreign players to their country. For this, discussions are being held with all concerned officials.
