'The double standards of the players is disappointing' - Graeme Smith after IPL postponement

Graeme Smith, the Director of Cricket South Africa and former captain of the South African cricket team has offered his opinion on the double standards of certain players after the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was postponed.

Smith stated that there were a few players who were playing in the IPL, but were sitting and not making any noise at all in spite of the alarming rate at which the coronavirus is spreading in India. But then, the same players had refused to tour South Africa for a Test series citing Covid-19.

Smith further added that it was really disappointing to see the players indulge in such a behavior that shows their double standards.

“You see some of those players sitting there at the IPL and not making any noise. Having had experience of things here you do see some things differently, and [you see] a version of double standards. It’s disappointing,” said Smith as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“The players never felt at risk in India,” says Graeme Smith

Graeme Smith further added that he had spoken to the South African players and they all felt safe. Smith also added that the players felt that the BioSecure Environment was a good experience in India.

“In no way would we judge. Having spoken to the players, they felt safe. They felt the BSE [Bio-Secure Environment] was a really good experience in India. They never felt at risk. But that’s the nature of what Covid brings,” said Smith.

The South African cricketing legend concluded by stating that the BioSecure Environment is not foolproof, especially at a time when the pandemic is raging in India.

“Sometimes you can do whatever you want but the BSE – as we’ve said to everyone – is never foolproof. When Covid is raging in your country there’s always a risk. Unfortunately, once it gets inside it’s very difficult to predict what’s going to happen,” concluded Smith.

Graeme Smith played 117 Tests and 197 ODIs for South Africa. While the left-hander scored 9265 runs in Test cricket, he also plundered 6989 runs in the ODI format of the game.