‘Couple of franchises are going to get hurt badly’ – Aakash Chopra shows concerns ahead of IPL 2021 UAE leg

Cricketer-turned commenter Aakash Chopra has recently been in news for his constant Indian Premier League (IPL) updates and his assessment of each franchise after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on May 29, that the remaining 31 matches of the 14th edition of IPL will be played in the UAE in the September and October window.

In the same meeting, the BCCI also spoke about having discussions with foreign boards regarding the availability of the players. Already, the Australian players and England players are in doubt to participate further in the league due to their packed calendar ahead.

Now, another news has come, this time from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding their non-issuance of NOC to Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman for the remainder of the IPL. The BCB president Nazmul Hassan confirmed the same to the media on 31st May.

Speaking about the same, Chopra shared a video on his YouTube channel and pointed out that the likely unavailability of the Bangladesh players for the rest of the event and the problems the franchisees might face due to it.

“Earlier there were only question marks over the availability of Australian and English cricketers. Now Bangladesh has also said that only two of their players play, but both of them will not be given the NOC. A couple of franchises are going to get hurt very very badly,” said Chopra.

Aakash Chopra on KKR and Royals’ positions

The former India opening batter also felt that Shakib’s and Rahman’s absence from the UAE leg will have a huge impact on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) respectively.

“Shakib Al Hasan for all practical purposes is out. He will not be a part of the second half of the IPL. It is being heard that the other player, Mustafizur Rahman, will also not be allowed for the remaining IPL matches,” added Chopra.

Chopra also stressed the fact that Bangladesh’s talismanic all-rounder’s absence will have a bigger impact on KKR considering  Pat Cummins too will not be available. Skipper Eoin Morgan may miss the cut as well.

“If Shakib doesn’t come, it will be a huge loss for Kolkata. Firstly, Pat Cummins has gone. For all practical purposes Eoin Morgan will also not be there and now Shakib Al Hasan, so quite a few of your main players are not there. So how will it work?” asked Chopra.