Coronavirus: Cricketers may miss IPL, Hundred competition in UK

Union says it will fight any move by CA to block players from competing overseas, a call that would cost them millions.

Pat Cummins could miss out on a lucrative IPL contract due to coronavirus fears. Picture: Getty Images

Australian players could miss out on tens of millions of dollars with Cricket Australia understood to be reviewing whether it will allow them to participate in this year’s IPL and other domestic competitions because of the pandemic.

The players union has indicated that the move could cause conflict if invoked.

The administration has warned its players to heed government travel warnings and is believed to be considering whether to issue certificates that allow its stars to play in domestic tournaments overseas.

The news would be a further blow to the IPL and to the new Hundred competition in the UK where cricket is facing an uncertain 2020.

Chris Lynn already made the decision to fly home from the Pakistan Super League despite his side making the finals this week.

It would be a cruel blow to Pat Cummins who was picked up for over $3m by Kolkata to play in this year’s tournament, while Steve Smith, David Warner and Glenn Maxwell will all earn over $2m.

Many of the same players were due to play in the inaugural edition of The Hundred, a modified limited overs competition in the UK, later in the year.

Players must receive a No Objection Certificate from their home boards to compete in other country’s domestic competitions.

Australian players are granted an eight week holiday that coincides with the IPL, but would not be able to compete if the NOCs were not granted.

It would be extraordinary to block the players from earning the extraordinary amounts on offer but Cricket Australia will be concerned about players being exposed overseas, returning to work ill or even just having to go into isolation for two weeks.

The Australian Cricketers Association indicated it will fight any move.

“The ACA would be very surprised if Cricket Australia sought to revoke or deny any No Obligation Certificate (NOC) as they are contractually obliged to provide them if certain conditions are met – such as it being for an ICC sanctioned competition,” a spokesperson told The Australian.

“The ACA is firmly of the view that each player is fundamentally capable and entitled to make their own decisions around what they do during their own leave.

“This includes being able to fulfil contracts they may have with overseas teams to play in international tournaments. We trust the players to seek their own assurances and abide by any Australian and international laws and regulations – including travel restrictions and conditions.”

Indian cricket is making noises about player’s health but will move mountains to make sure the tournament proceeds.

Only government bans could stop them. In 2009 the tournament was moved at the last minute to South Africa after complications arose because of Indian elections, but moving it would be difficult because of the pandemic.

The tournament has already been pushed back from March 29 to April 15 and there are understood to be plans to limit the games to four cities: Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi and Kolkata.

IPL and BCCI chiefs met over the weekend and pushed a message that said the health of players was their first concern.

The tournament generates hundreds of millions for cricket and the government in India.