Steve Smith and David Warner could decide to pull out of the ongoing IPL 2021 mid-way and head home to Australia before Australia’s borders are shut for people coming in from India.
The exodus of Australian players from IPL 2021 amidst record-breaking coronavirus cases in India is set to continue with a report now claiming that the Australian duo of Steve Smith and David Warner are hoping to fly back home before the potential closing of borders.
Steve Smith And David Warner Hopes To Fly Home Before Borders Shut
On Monday, Royal Challengers Bangalore announced that their two Australian recruits Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson have decided to withdraw midway through the season due to personal reasons. Their withdrawal came after Rajasthan Royals fast bowler Andrew Tye too left IPL 2021 midway for fear of being locked out which has left Rajasthan Royals with 4 overseas players instead of the original 8.
Australian media is now reporting that their government is debating over issuing all flights from India which is dealing with record coronavirus cases on a daily basis.
“Australian cricketers including David Warner and Steve Smith are now hoping to be flown home to India before borders shut,” news agency IANS quoted 9News as saying on Tuesday.
David Warner captains Sunrisers Hyderabad while Steve Smith is representing Delhi Capitals this season. The report further claimed that around 30 Australian players, coaches, and commentators are ‘keen to get out of India’ due to the ‘deteriorating situation right across the country.’
Nathan Coulter-Nile Plans To Stick With His Franchise Mumbai Indians
Australia Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said that they have an obligation to ensure the safety of its 8,000 citizens stuck in India.
“Our primary responsibility is to keep Australians safe and secure, so that is our overarching responsibility,” Andrews was quoted as saying by ABC.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has asked for the suspension of flights from India.
“I do believe now is the time to suspend those flights,” Palaszczuk was quoted as saying by 9news.
It’s been five straight days that India has reported over 3 lakh cases a day. However, Mumbai Indians pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile says he plans to stick with his franchise.
“Everyone’s got their own opinions on it and different situations for them,” Coulter-Nile told cricket.com.au.
“I was surprised to see AJ (Andre Tye) go home, and then Zamps and Richo (Kane Richardson), but when you speak to them, you definitely understand where they’re coming from,” he added.
Australia has banned flights to and from India until May 15 amid the second wave of Covid-19 in India. Australia has suspended all flights connecting it with India due to a surge in Covid-19 cases in the country. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that all direct passenger flights from India will be suspended until May 15.