As the government of India opens up COVID-19 vaccination for citizens above the age of 18 years from May 1, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has said that it will leave the decision to players if they want to get vaccinated .
ANI reported that sources in the BCCI said the decision is up to the players, who are playing in the ongoing Indian Premier League, once the vaccination opens for everyone aged between 18 and 45 from next month.
“The Indian players can get vaccinated from Saturday. It is a call that is left on players,” the source was quoted as saying by ANI. The source also added that only Indian players can get vaccinated here.
Cricketers, coaches and commentators from Australia, England, South Africa and West Indies are currently in India for the latest edition of the IPL even as India battles a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
As India recorded over 3 lakh COVID-19 cases for the sixth consecutive day on Tuesday, many Australian players have opted out of the IPL. Rajasthan Royals’ Andrew Tye on Sunday pulled out of the tournament fearing he would be “locked out” due to the potential closing of borders. Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson have also withdrawn from the IPL.
Steve Smith and David Warner are also looking at the probability of returning home amid the crisis in India.
Meanwhile, the Australia government has suspended all direct flights from India till May 15 citing the alarming surge in the number of COVID-19 cases. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said that cricketers playing in the IPL would have to make their own arrangement using their own resources as they have not travelled to India as part of an Australian tour.
Cricket Australia, in the meantime, said in a statement that they are in contact with their players and will continue to listen to feedback from those on the ground in India.
