MORALLY BANKRUPT
» ‘IPL hiding behind claim they’re still playing for fans’ » ‘Players fear losing lucrative contracts if they quit’ » ‘There’s definitely nervousness at speaking out’
Despite soaring Covid-19 death rates, the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues.
And some of English cricket’s biggest names still find themselves taking part in a league which has long since lost its significance against a backdrop of a health crisis that shows no sign of ending.
Sunday Mirror Sport understands that some of the world’s leading full member nations have approached the ICC to voice their concerns over the potential of the T20 World Cup taking place in India later this year.
But with the exception of Andrew Tye, who flew home from the tournament last week alongside fellow Aussies Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson, few have been prepared to openly speak about a situation that transcends sport.
Certainly, no board has been brave enough to stick their head
above the parapet and bring their players home.
One of the most senior figures in global cricket has told this paper that this crisis is an indication of India’s power and hold on the cricket world.
And believes the IPL’s continuation is an illustration of putting pounds over humanity.
“The scenes are devastating,” he says. “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 lucrative contracts and the IPL might hold it against them moving forward.
“There’s a real risk of that. There are more than enough players wanting to play in the tournament that those who walk away will just be replaced.
“If you look at the situation in South Africa where the ECB and Cricket Australia pulled out, why is that situation worse than allowing your players to continue to play in the IPL?
“It doesn’t make sense. Is this about players being safe in the bubble or is it about doing the right thing?
“What does this say about morality? They’re hiding behind the IPL providing relief for supporters at a difficult time.
“Really? People who have just lost their parents or a family member to Covid, are they actually going to sit down and enjoy an IPL game?
“It’s a sad excuse but the problem is that nobody challenges them.
“No broadcasters or sponsors are going to do it.
“I can’t see the T20 World Cup taking place in the country. Nobody can say that they would be comfortable sending a squad to India at the moment.
“I would be surprised if any country would stand up and say otherwise at the current time.”
As it stands, though, there are few signs that the tournament will be curtailed despite the chaotic and tragic situation.
No one has been brave enough to speak up and address the widespread concerns of those outside the bubbles the players find themselves in.
Tom Moffat, the head of the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA), said: “I don’t think there’s any doubt that there is a nervousness within cricket about speaking out.
“The feedback that we and our member players’ associations have received is that players are generally being looked after in their respective biosecure bubbles.
“But there is obviously an anxiousness around travel in particular, and also around arrangements to get home.”
An ECB spokesperson said: “We continue to monitor and work with the players on an individual basis.
“It will be a decision that will be taken by each individual.
“Our thoughts are with the people of India during these difficult times.”