Smith, Warner could pull out of IPL as Australia suspends flights from India
Players are looking to return home before the Australian government shuts borders
Players are looking to return home before the Australian government shuts borders
Players are looking to return home before the Australian government shuts borders
Players are looking to return home before the Australian government shuts borders
Amid India’s record COVID-19 surge, many Australian players have opted to withdraw from the ongoing Indian Premier League and return home. Star batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner are also looking at the probability of going back after Australia suspended direct passenger flights from India.
“Australian cricketers including David Warner and Steve Smith are now hoping to be flown home from India before borders shut,” Australian news service 9News said.
Warner is the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad while Smith represents Delhi Capitals this season.
Australian media reported that around 30 Australian players, coaches and commentators are “keen to get out of India” as the COVID-19 situation worsens.
Mumbai Indians pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile, however, seems to the lone opposing voice over leaving the IPL.
“Everyone’s got their own opinions on it and different situations for them. I was surprised to see AJ (Andrew Tye) go home, and then Zamps and Richo (Kane Richardson), but when you speak to them, you definitely understand where they’re coming from,” Coulter-Nile told cricket.com.au.
On Monday, Royal Challengers Bangalore announced that its two Australian players Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson have pulled out of the IPL due to “personal reasons”. Another Australian cricketer Rajasthan Royals’ Andrew Tye also withdrew from the IPL in fear of being “locked out” of his country in case the borders are closed.
India has reported over 3 lakh cases for the sixth straight day on Tuesday.