IPL 2021: RCB’s Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson book flights back to Australia after a 48-hour wait

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson have managed to book their flights to Australia after waiting for 48 hours. The duo has already pulled out of the 2021 Indian Premier League in the wake of the deteriorating situation in India due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even as Richardson played a solitary game in the tournament, Zampa didn’t get to turn out for RCB, captained by the 32-year-old Virat Kohli. The duo found themselves in trouble unclear of whether they would be able to return home before the borders shut for three weeks.   

As per reports in Sporting News, Richardson and Zampa got their seats booked on a flight from Mumbai to Doha on Wednesday. Thereafter, they would be taking a connecting flight to Melbourne.

Along with Zampa and Kane, Rajasthan Royals’ Andrew Tye also withdrew from the IPL. Speaking on the trio’s withdrawal, Mumbai Indians’ Nathan Coulter-Nile expressed surprise but also respected their call.

Coulter-Nile on Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson’s exit

“Everyone’s got their own opinions on it and different situations for them. I was surprised to see AJ go home, and then Zamps and Richo, but when you speak to them, you definitely understand where they’re coming from,” Coulter-Nile said.

“I spoke to Zamps a little while ago and he made a very compelling argument for going home,” he added.

Earlier, Cricket Australia stated that the board would be abiding by the rules and regulations put forth by the national government. It also thanked the BCCI for creating a safe bio-security bubble, bearing in mind the current circumstances in India.

“We will continue to liaise closely with the Australian Government following today’s announcement that direct flights from India to Australia will be paused until May 15, and monitor the situation between now and the tournament’s scheduled conclusion on May 30,” CA said in a statement.

“We thank the BCCI and IPL for their efforts to keep everyone safe in the tournament’s bio-secure bubble. Once again, our thoughts are with the people of India during this challenging time,” the statement added.

In the meantime, Pat Cummins and Brett Lee have made donations in India’s fight against the coronavirus.