Ravichandran Ashwin was first. Next was Andrew Tye of Australia. At least two more Australian cricketers have opted out of the ongoing Indian Premier League today (Monday). Albeit, citing personal reasons.
Three Aussie cricketers – Zampa, Richardson and Tye – are returning home after having pulled out of their respective teams. While Zampa and Richardson represent Royal Challengers Bangalore, Richardson is a member of the Rajasthan Royals. All three have cited personal reasons.
Tye was the first to quit on Sunday, while Zampa and Richardson followed a day later.
It is, however, apparent that concern among the players is rising as India has been reporting over three lakh Covid-19 infection every day for the past few days.
Delhi Capitals’ Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the league for being with the ailing members in the family.
Withdrawals of Zampa and Richardson are confirmed by a tweet. “Adam Zampa & Kane Richardson are returning to Australia for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the remainder of #IPL2021. Royal Challengers Bangalore management respects their decision and offers them complete support,” RCB tweeted.
Official Announcment:
Adam Zampa & Kane Richardson are returning to Australia for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the remainder of #IPL2021. Royal Challengers Bangalore management respects their decision and offers them complete support.#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers pic.twitter.com/NfzIOW5Pwl
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 26, 2021
Tye had returned home due to the fear of being “locked out of Australia” and the bio-bubble fatigue. According to NDTV, on his way home Tye has reportedly confessed the reasons behind his withdrawal in an interview to SEN Radio.
Other Australian cricketers might also follow the trio. Kolkata Knight Riders mentor and former Australia cricketer David Hussey has said that several Australian players are nervous about whether they can get back into Australia.
The fear might have also escalated for the fact as the IPL caravan was moving to Delhi. The national Capital has been reporting nearly 25,000 cases every day for almost a week now.
