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IPL 2021: Australian cricketers, support staff expected to head to the Maldives
With their country shut for all those flying from India, the now-suspended IPL’s Australian contingent, comprising players, support staff, and commentators, is expected to head to the Maldives before taking a connecting flight for home. The IPL was ‘indefinitely suspended’ on Tuesday after multiple cases of Covid-19 emerged from Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Chennai Super Kings. There are 14 Australian players along with coaches and commentators who might now take a detour as the Australian government has imposed strict sanctions for people returning from India. ‘A mass exodus of Australian players, coaches, and support staff to the Maldives is the expected remedy to a dilemma created by the postponement of the 2021 IPL and the current closure of the Australian border to citizens currently in India during its rampant Covid-19 outbreak, ESPN Cricinfo reported. ‘There are close to 40 Australians in the IPL bubble comprising players, coaching staff, and commentators,’ it added.
‘The likes of Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Ricky Ponting, Simon Katich, and company are expected to join commentator Michael Slater, who had already headed to the Maldives as a temporary post.’ Premier pacer Pat Cummins, who is contracted with KKR, called the situation unprecedented.
