IPL’s Australian cricketers, officials head to Maldives, will return home after end of travel ban

Melbourne: A day after the abrupt postponement of IPL 2021 due to the COVID-19 crisis, Australian cohort involved in the tournament have been ‘safely transported’ to the Maldives, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed on Thursday. 

In a joint statement, Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association confirmed their players, coaching staff and match officials were safely transported to the Maldives.

“We can confirm that Australian players, coaches, match officials and commentators have been safely transported from India and are en route to the Maldives,” the statement read.

Notably, Australia have banned all direct passenger flights from India until May 15, leaving their own citizens locked out of their country.

CA reiterated that the board will not seek exemption for the players from the government, adding that Australians will be stationed in the Maldives until the conclusion of the travel pause.

International cricketers started heading home on Wednesday after the previous day’s halt of the T20 competition, as India grapples with a sweeping second wave of infections. BCCI had promised safe return passage for every foreigner involved in the lucrative eight-team league.

The Australian board also thanked BCCI for flying out their players and staff out of India within two days of IPL 2021 postponement.

Meanwhile, Former Australia batsman and Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey, who tested positive for the virus, will remain in the care of his franchise until he tests negative and is fit to fly out of the country.

“CA and the ACA will work closely with the BCCI to ensure Mike’s safe return to Australia when it is safe to do so,” the Australian board said.

The IPL 2021 was suspended after four players and two coaching staff members from three different teams tested positive for COVID-19 inside the bio-bubble. (UNI)