On Tuesday April 27, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) assured every foreign player competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to reach their respective countries seamlessly once the tournament ends. By now three Australians returned to their home due to an upsurge of COVID-19 cases in India.
BCCI COO Hemang Amin said in a letter addressed to the players, “We understand that many of you are apprehensive about how you will get back home once the tournament concludes. We want to apprise you that you have nothing to worry about.”
He said, “The BCCI will do everything to ensure that you reach your respective destinations seamlessly. The BCCI is monitoring the situation very closely and is working with the government authorities to make arrangements to get you home once the tournament concludes.” He added, “Be rest assured that the tournament is not over for BCCI till each one of you has reached your home, safe and sound.”
Amin appreciated the players for carrying on, “As some of you have said, ‘if we can help distract people from all the troubles of recent times, even if it is for a short while, we have done a great job’. When you all walk out onto the field, you are bringing hope to millions of people who have tuned in.”
He concluded, “If even for a minute, you can bring a smile on someone’s face, then you have done well. While you are professionals and will play to win, this time you are also playing for something much more important.”
On April 26, Australia suspended all direct passenger flights from India with immediate effect until May 15 due to the huge spike in COVID-19 cases.
In the last 24-hour, India witnessed more than 3.6 lakhs of COVID-19 cases.