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The safety of foreign players and commentators who were in India for the Indian Premier League remains the topmost priority for all the BCCI officials involved. While the BCCI continues to provide the best accommodations to the players when it comes to their safety, the decision to stay in the country or leave has been left solely with the players themselves. There have been no reports on whether foreign players want to leave India or not in the wake of the rising tensions. However, a couple of countries, including South Africa and Australia, have made statements regarding their players’ safety.
The latest news regarding Australian players is that there are reports that they want to go home as soon as possible. As per PTI, several Australian star players, including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, Ricky Ponting, Brad Haddin, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, and Jake Fraser-McGurk.
Former English captain, Michael Vaughan, is known to voice out his opinions regarding cricket all around the world, often on social media and his podcast on YouTube. In a tweet, the former right-handed batter suggested that the remaining matches of the IPL could be held in England. The Indian test team will be travelling to England for a five-match series. The first match will begin on the 20th June, with the last match slated to be played at The Oval from the 31st of July to the 4th of August.
In his tweet, Vaughan said, “I wonder if it’s possible to finish the IPL in the UK .. We have all the venues and the Indian players can then stay on for the Test series .. Just a thought ?”
If the BCCI indeed agrees to this proposal, it could be an exciting rest of the season. Not only will it allow the board to finish the 18th season of the tournament, but it will also help the players to get used to the conditions before the all-important five-match series. The India vs England series proves to be pretty vital for both teams as they start their WTC (World Test Championship) 2025-27 campaign.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gave out a statement on the suspension of the grand T20 league. Devajit Saikia, BCCI Secretary, said that the marquee T20 league has been suspended “with immediate effect for one week” on the 9th of May. He said, "Further updates regarding the new schedule and venues of the tournament will be announced in due course after a comprehensive assessment of the situation in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders.”
In such a situation, it is important to note that the multiple stakeholders have to be taken into consideration while making any verdict. The decision to suspend IPL for one week was taken after senior BCCI officials got on a call. Arun Dhummal, who was in attendance at Dharamsala during the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, was among the participants in the meeting where the final decision was made.
"The decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council after due consultation with all key stakeholders following the representations from most of the franchisees, who conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans; while the BCCI reposes full faith in the strength and preparedness of our armed forces, the Board considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders," said Saika in a statement after the meeting between the officials.
The decision to suspend was unanimously reached between the participants on the call. Before the statement was issued to the public, the 10 franchises were informed.
Cricket Australia, the board that conducts cricket in Australia, issued a statement on the morning of 9th May. In its statement, CA said, “We continue to closely monitor the situation in Pakistan and India, including obtaining regular advice and updates from the Australian Government, the PCB, BCCI and local government authorities, and maintaining communication with our players and support staff currently in the region.”
South African Cricketers' Association chief executive, Andrew Breetzke, talked about how the safety of South African players and coaches in the IPL is of utmost importance. He said, “The health and safety of players is not negotiable. We are in direct contact with all the South African players at the IPL and keeping them updated with security reports. We have offered them any support they need.”
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