Cricket Australia leaves decision to return to India for IPL up to players
With confirmation the Indian Premier League will resume, Cricket Australia has confirmed what it means for Aussies involved.
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Cricket Australia is working with the Australian government and BCCI around “security arrangements and safety” for players set to return to action in the IPL in India as a clash with preparations for the World Test Championship final looms.
The IPL is set to resume this weekend, having been suspended last Friday amid fighting between India and Pakistan after which Australian players including fast bowler Mitch Starc returned home.
Starc’s wife, and Australian women’s captain Alyssa Healy, who was with her husband in India, recounted the harrowing experience of being in Dharamsala when a game was abruptly abandoned due to nearby missile strikes.
But an announcement of a ceasefire between the nuclear-armed neighbours has created a situation where the Australian players, coaching staff and commentators have decisions to make on whether to return or stay in Australia.
The elongated tournament will also now end on June 3, more than a week later than originally scheduled and just eight days before the start of the WTC final in June.
On Tuesday morning, CA issued a statement addressing both the WTC preparations and security issues in India.
“Following the announcement that the IPL will resume on Saturday, Cricket Australia will support players in their individual decisions whether to return to India or not,” the statement said.
“Team management will work through preparation implications for the World Test Championship final for those players who choose to play in the remaining IPL matches.
“We are maintaining communication with the Australian government and BCCI around security arrangements and safety.”
A charter flight flew players including Sean Abbott, Riley Meredith and Ashton Turner home when fighting broke out.
The PSL is now set to conclude with games in Lahore and Islamabad.
Originally published as Cricket Australia leaves decision to return to India for IPL up to players
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