'How are franchises and government spending so much on IPL?' - Andrew Tye questions amidst COVID emergency in India

The ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is getting affected with overseas players pulling out of the tournament fast. Moreover, many are criticising the BCCI for conducting the cash-rich league amidst the serious situation in India with COVID-19. India is currently witnessing more than 3 lakh cases over the last few days even as the travel restrictions are being tightened overseas for travellers from the country.

Andrew Tye has been one of the latest players to pull out while on Monday, RCB also revealed that Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson won’t be available for the rest of the IPL 2021. Tye stated that he was concerned about the safe passage back home and feared contracting the virus that has ravaged the country.

Moreover, Andrew Tye also indicated that he is baffled with a philosophical question about whether the IPL should continue at all in this situation when the patients are struggling to get admitted to hospitals. “From a player safety point of view, we’re safe now but is it going to stay safe?

“But looking at it from an Indian point of view, how are these companies and franchises spending so much money, and the government, on the IPL when there’s people not being able to get accepted into hospital?” he said according to cricket.com.au.

I completely respect everyone’s views, says Andrew Tye

However, he also understood the fact that the sport, and especially IPL in India, can bring joy to the people during these tough times. “If sport can continue and be one of those avenues to relieve stress or give a glimmer of hope that the world is OK and there is light at the end of the tunnel, I think it should go ahead. But I know that’s not everyone’s feelings and I completely respect everyone’s views from all angles,” the Aussie pacer added.

Meanwhile, late on Sunday night, Ravi Ashwin of Delhi Capitals became the first Indian player to take a break revealing that his family is fighting with COVID-19 and wants to support them.

I would be taking a break from this years IPL from tomorrow. My family and extended family are putting up a fight against #COVID19 and I want to support them during these tough times. I expect to return to play if things go in the right direction. Thank you @DelhiCapitals 🙏🙏

— Stay home stay safe! Take your vaccine🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) April 25, 2021