The IPL is clearly at the crossroads. The country is witnessing a surge in the number of infections. The pandemic has wreaked havoc across the country. Absolutely no part of the country is left alone. The situation is quite grim and it is under such climate the IPL is continuing across the country. There are growing voices whether the IPL must continue. Should the country even rejoice watching meaningless games when there are lot of families in mourning? These are valid questions and it is pretty much impossible to answer convincingly. However, I do believe that the IPL must continue.
Foreign players are leaving
Andrey Tye, the Australian fast bowler, Adam Zampa, the spinner and Kane Richardson, have all left the IPL for Australia. The reason that these players gave was for personal reason but we all know that they were really scared with what is happening around the country and we want to be in the safe environs of Australia. This is perfectly understandable. They must have felt whether they will be allowed to return to Australia at the earliest.
David Hussey has opined that there are other players as well who would like to go back.
“Everyone’s sort of a bit nervous about whether they can get back into Australia. I dare say there’ll be a few other Australians a bit nervous about getting back into Australia.”
Liam Livingstone, the English batsman wanted to get back to England before the deadline of not allowing anyone from India to land in the UK arrives. These are perfectly understandable decisions because afterall for these players, India is a third world country and is always vulnerable. It is impossible to blame them.
I just feel like because it’s India, we’re always being told about the hygiene over here and being extra careful … I just felt like it was the most vulnerable. The IPL that was held in Dubai six months ago didn’t feel that way at all.” Adam Zampa.
Ashwin left
Ashwin too has left his franchise to be with his family. It is quite noble of him. At this time, every family needs every support that they can get.
“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.
By allowing himself to be released from the bubble, he has become vulnerable to the virus. He is happy to endure that for his family which is adorable. Ashwin wants to comeback if the situation improves but we all know that his season is finished.
The only problem with this is that this player exodus will paint the tournament in general and the country in particular in grim light. It conveys an impression that everything is out of control when the reality if far from this. Yes, the situation is alarming but not impossible.
Amidst such doom and gloom, there was a significant piece of news. Pat Cummins, had donated 50,000 Australian Dollars to the PMCares fund to fight the virus. This was an incredible gesture from Cummins for which the entire country is grateful.
“As players, we are privileged to have a platform that allows us to reach millions of people that we can use for good. With that in mind, I have made a contribution to the ‘PM Cares Fund,’ specifically to purchase oxygen supplies for India’s hospitals.”
I am not prepared to ask whether the Indian players will contribute as well because there are a lot of Indian players who contribute without anyone knowing. However, I will certainly criticise the Indian board for not doing enough for the same population who have made the BCCI rich.
BCCI hasn’t contributed
Last year, the BCCI contribution a mere 51 crores towards the PM Cares fund. This is actually a pittance. It is a tight slap on the faces of all the fans who are suffering now. Shame on the BCCI. For the sheer amount of money the board gets, only because of the fans, they must contribute upwards of 1000 crores of rupees. They have the wealth. BCCI is like a secret society. They keep the money to themselves. I sincerely wish that the BCCI is brought down to its knees for lack of contribution during these testing times.
The BCCI, over the last 2-3 days, through the commentators have appealed to the public to follow the Covid norms. This is too little and too late. I wonder why they didn’t do this from the start? BCCI needs to do more. They can aid in the procurement of oxygen. Distributing free masks, sanitisers, assist the frontline workers, police and lot more.
Why must the IPL go on?
During this time of doom and gloom, when entertainment of any sort is restricted apart from watching some soaps on TV, IPL offers legitimate entertainment to the fans who for about 4 hours can forget about what is happening around them. It gives them a much need respite. Moreover, IPL is not just a cricketing activity. It is also an economic activity. The hotels, though only a few, that are otherwise devoid of any guest is occupied. In most cases, the entire hotel is booked.
Chartered flights, catering, housekeeping etc. So many get some work to do in these distress. IPL keeps a small part of the economic engine running. This must not be stopped. IPL itself is well managed and with zero spectators allowed, there is no risk of the virus spreading because of the IPL. Hence, there is no justification to stop the IPL other than moral which is not the correct way to go about it.
So, let the IPL continue and provide the much needed succour during these unprecedented and difficult times.
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