Indian Premier League says foreign stars ‘totally safe’ amid virus crisis

Indian Premier League chiefs sought to reassure foreign stars in the tournament that they are “totally safe” even as the country battles a devastating coronavirus surge, AFP reported.

With many nations restricting travel from India, organizers of the world’s richest cricket tournament also vowed to make sure that all players get home once the league is over, AFP reported.

With more than 350,000 cases and 2,750 deaths per day, three Australian players have left their IPL teams in recent days. Others still in India admit they are on edge over the deadly surge.

“We understand that there are (a) few apprehensions and concerns regarding the general situation in India and the withdrawals of certain cricketers,” said acting Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief Hemang Amin in an email sent to players and coaches.

“We completely respect the decision taken by the players and extend our support to them in every way,” he added in the email, seen by AFP.

“At the same time, we would also assure you that you are totally safe within the bubble.”

Amin said the bio-secure bubbles which the players have been kept in had been strengthened because of the new fears.

All players and coaches are now tested every two days instead of every five, and outside food deliveries to team hotels have been banned, AFP reported.

“I am sure you will understand and co-operate with us on these steps,” he said, adding that player safety was “of paramount importance.”

Amin also acknowledged players’ worries about how they will go home when the tournament ends on May 30, saying that was “natural and understandable.”

Australians Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson and A.J. Tye left the tournament this week but there are still 14 of their compatriots left with the eight teams, including David Warner, Steve Smith, Pat Cummins and Glenn Maxwell, AFP reported.