IPL 2021: ECB lets England players decide on their participation in the tournament

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has left the ball on the England players’ court regarding their participation in the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL). Eoin Morgan, the 2019 World Cup-winning captain, and Jonny Bairstow among others are the ones taking part in the cash-rich tournament, which started on April 9 with the final to be played on May 30.

In the deteriorating state in India due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 IPL has been hit with a massive roadblock after the match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) had to be rescheduled. As far as the England cricketers are concerned, the decision to stay or leave has been left to their discretion.

ECB leaves matters up to England cricketers

“We continue to monitor and communicate with our players and staff currently in India. In terms of continued participation, it will be a decision that will be taken by each individual. We acknowledge these are challenging times and our thoughts are with the people of India,” an ECB spokesperson said, India TV reported.

Recently, South Africa took a similar stand on their cricketers as well. Graeme Smith, their director of cricket, stated that the Proteas cricketers will have to decide on their participation in the cash-rich and prestigious tournament.

“We’ve offered support to the players and made ourselves available to them should there be any concerns. Ultimately, it is in their hands to make a choice (about their continued participation),” Smith was quoted as saying.

Recently, members of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) also tested positive for COVID-19. Their bowling coach Laxmipathy Balaji and a bus driver contracted the virus. Their match against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 5 had to be postponed as well. After the infected cases came to the fore, their players have been sent into isolation on an immediate basis.

In the meantime, the current scenario has forced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to shift the entirety of the IPL to Mumbai. The final might also be postponed to early June, something which might become a problem for the World Test Championship final to be played from June 18-22.