BCCI is paying for Australian players' quarantine period in Sydney: CA Chief

The IPL 2021 got suspended midway and the players were stranded for some time inside the bio-bubble. However, BCCI made it quite clear that they will try their best to ensure the safety of the players and manage their travel arrangements as well. Around 40 Australians were part of IPL 2021 including players, coaches, commentators, and other staff who had trouble reaching their home.

The Australian government had banned flights from India till 15 May owing to a rapid upsurge in COVID-19 cases. However, BCCI made their arrangements to travel to the Maldives instead and complete their quarantine there. It was reported that players will be able to board flights for Australia from the Maldives and in the recent turn of events, all of them have arrived on their soil safe.

It was reported that there were a lot of speculations going around preferential treatment given to Australian players. How were they being managed in the Maldives and who is paying for their quarantine in Sydney, asked many. CA chief Nick Hockley has cleared the air on the same matter and stated that BCCI is bearing all these expenses.

We have been working closely with BCCI: Nick Hockley

“Yes,” stated Hockley if BCCI was paying for quarantine.

“BCCI at the outset committed to ensuring that they got home safely and as quickly as possible. We’ve been working closely with them. They’ve been fantastic. They’ve delivered on that promise.

“Obviously our thoughts are with all of our friends in India. Then we’ve been working with the government, within the existing frameworks to make sure that they get home as quickly as possible. I know the players, having texted a few of them, are extremely appreciative of the BCCI and we’re really pleased that they’re home safely,” said Hockley as quoted by Sydney Morning Herald.

Hockley further added that BCCI has fulfilled all their promises and players have arrived safely. The players could land in Australia when the NSW government cleared that they have eased their cap of 3000 returnees so that cricketers could return easily now.