IPL’S cash trumps a disaster
THE silence is deafening – despite India’s soaring Covid-19 death rates, the Indian Premier League continues regardless.
Some of English cricket’s biggest names still find themselves carrying on in a league against a backdrop of a spiralling humanitarian tragedy.
But with the exception of Aussie Andrew Tye, who flew home from the IPL last week, few have been prepared to openly speak about it – and no board has ordered players home.
One of the most senior figures in the game has told this paper that it’s an indication of India’s hold over the cricket world and puts profit over humanity.
“The scenes are devastating,” he said. “You
have people dying on the streets. But the players don’t want to leave because they will be seen as turning their back on contracts and the IPL might hold it against them.
“Those who walk away will easily just be replaced.
“Look at the situation in South Africa where the ECB and Cricket Australia pulled out. How was that worse than this is?
“What about morality? They’re hiding behind the IPL providing ‘relief’ for fans. It’s a sad excuse but nobody challenges them.
“No broadcasters or sponsors are going to do it.
“But I can’t see the T20 World Cup taking place in the country.”
As it stands there are precious few signs that the IPL will be curtailed despite the chaos and misery outside ‘the bubble’.
“I don’t think there’s any doubt that there is a nervousness within cricket about speaking out,” said Tom Moffat, the head of FICA, the international players’ association.
“The players are being looked after in their biosecure bubbles. But there is anxiousness over travel and arrangements to get home.”
An ECB spokesperson said: “We continue to monitor and work with the players. It [the decision to stay or quit] will be taken by each individual.”