These days most of the overseas players are pulling out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the increase in the number of cases of COVID-19. And also many people and media are criticizing the BCCI for continuing the league amidst the critical situation in India. In the last 24-hrs, India reported more than 3.52 lakhs of COVID-19 cases.
Rajasthan Royals pacer Andrew Tye was the first overseas player to return home midway through IPL 2021. For personal reasons, Tye returned back to Australia after pulling out of the tournament. On Monday, Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson also returned back to Australia Monday amid rising cases in India.
Andrew Tye said that he was concerned about returning back home safely after cases went out of control in India. Tye questioned whether it is safe to continue with the tournament amid the COVID-19 crisis in the country.
Tye said “From a player safety point of view, we’re safe now but is it going to stay safe? But looking at it from an Indian point of view, how are these companies and franchises spending so much money, and the government, on the IPL when there’s people not being able to get accepted into hospital?”
Tye said, “If sport can continue and be one of those avenues to relieve stress or give a glimmer of hope that the world is OK and there is light at the end of the tunnel, I think it should go ahead. But I know that’s not everyone’s feelings and I completely respect everyone’s views from all angles.”