Grange urges caution for J’cans in IPL
‘...our first concern will always be your health and safety. Allow the research to inform your decision-making, and above all things where systems such as biosecure bubbles are put in place to protect you and other colleagues, please be mindful of them and comply.’
SPORT MINISTER Olivia Grange said the Government is closely monitoring the spike in COVID19 cases in India, which has resulted in a number of foreign players withdrawing from the Indian Premier League (IPL).
India had the highest number of daily coronavirus cases for a fifth straight day yesterday, reporting 352,991 new infections and another 2,812 deaths in the previous 24-hour period.
Australians Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson, and Andrew Tye have ended their stint in the IPL early because of the surge in cases. India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has also taken a break from the competition to support his family. Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, and Fabian Allen are the three Jamaicans among nine West Indians taking part in the IPL this season.
Grange is urging the three players to take all the necessary precautions to protect themselves in India.
PERSONAL DECISION
“The Government of Jamaica commiserates with the Jamaican cricketers who are participating in the Indian Premier League,” Grange told The Gleaner. “The decision to remain or withdraw is indeed a personal one that can have long-term ramifications on yourselves, your families, and your wider community. No matter which entity you represent, you are still a Jamaican and you still represent your country. That being said, our first concern will always be your health and safety. Allow the research to inform your decisionmaking, and above all things where systems such as biosecure bubbles are put in place to protect you and other colleagues, please be mindful of them and comply.”
Grange said that it is also impor tant for all Jamaican athletes to pay close attention to their surroundings and to follow the protocols and guidelines established wherever they are.
“Make sure that you do all in your control to take care of yourself and those around you,” she said. “For our athletes here in Jamaica who are beginning to witness an incremental resumption of sporting activity, please be on your guard. Follow the guidelines and protocols developed to keep us all safe.”
Jamaica Cricket Association First Vice President Dr Donovan Bennett said he is aware of the situation in India but he is hoping that the IPL organisers will do everything in their power to ensure that all the players remain safe.
“I have seen it on the news that things have gotten out of hand down there, but once they have a biosecure bubble then players will not necessarily be at risk,” Bennett said. “This has to be a very closed system where there are no outside interests at all and, of course, those in the bubble cannot go out into the public, and I would be surprised if the Indians did not have a very secure bubble.”