Mumbai: Mumbai Indians (MI) opener Chris Lynn urges Cricket Australia to arrange charter fight post Indian Premier League to bring his countrymen back home as India battles a surge in Covid-19 infections.
As India is battling the second wave of Covid-19 various states are reporting an unprecedented rise in cases in the country. Several overseas players including one Indian have pulled out of the Cash-rich League due to reasons like bio-bubble fatigue or citing personal reasons.
CA contacted the Australian players in India, asking about their health and travel plans after the IPL 2021 ends on May 30. Lynn, who is playing for MI, said he responded by requesting the Australian cricket board to help arrange a flight for the players.
“I texted back that as Cricket Australia makes 10% of every IPL contract was there a chance, we could spend that money this year on a charter flight once the tournament is over?” Lynn was quoted as saying to told News Corp media.
“I know there are people worse off than us. But we are going from a really tight bubble and are getting vaccinated next week so hopefully, the government will let us get home on a private charter. We are not asking for shortcuts and we signed up knowing the risks. But it would be great to get home as soon as the event is over,” Lynn added.
Players withdrawing their name from IPL 2021 one after the another, as of now five players have withdrawal their name from IPL. Delhi Capitals star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, Rajasthan Royals seamer Andrew Tye and his teammate Liam Livingstone have already returned home. On Monday, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) informed through a tweet that leg-spinner Adam Zampa and allrounder Kane Richardson would be returning to home.
The Australian government announced on Tuesday that it will be suspending flights from India till May 15. Australia will also unveil measures including sending medical help India fight the Covid-19 wave.
