Head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC) Ricky Ponting has accepted that the situation outside the IPL bubble is more fierce and asked his players to shy away from having conversations on the same to remain calm in the COVID-19 pandemic.
As Indian Premier League (IPL) is under heavy criticism from fans and media for continuing the game as India is struggling due to this Pandemic. Ponting thinks the IPL can “bring a lot of joy” to the citizens of India in this pandemic situation.
Ponting said in a video posted on Delhi Capitals’ Twitter handle, “This IPL, probably more than any other, has become more about what’s happening on the outside than what’s happening here. We right now are probably the safest people in the country being in the bubbles that we are in.” He also added, “Continuously, I’m asking the boys at breakfast every day how’s everything going on the outside, how’s family, is your family safe? Is family happy?”
He further added, “And look I think that’s a really important thing and we talk here at the Delhi Capitals about being one big family. It is really important. We are thinking about the extended family, not just us, but we’ve got to be talking about what’s happening outside because it is quite grim.”
The head coach said, “Yes, it is hard for the players to be away from their families. I can’t imagine, even if I put myself in this situation, guys that live in Chennai are actually home now, but can’t see their families. It must be incredibly difficult.”
Ponting added, “So the more we can share these experiences, the better off we are. The people that aren’t from India, we can be talking to the locals about what they are going through. We will just keep our fingers crossed. And hope people remain safe. That’s a big thing for me, the players are taking the best care of their families where they can from the outside. And we look after what we can do here.”
He also stated, “Even with the country being in a situation that it is, I think cricket can still bring a lot of joy to people.”