Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The Indian Premier League is set to resume in the United Arab Emirates after it had to be suspended owing to the various COVID-19 cases inside the bio-secure bubbles of various franchises. Ever since the inception of the tournament, Australian players have been a very important part of the franchises. And even this year, there are quite a few franchises that depend on the presence of their Australian stars. However, there is still some uncertainty regarding the availability of Australian players for the second leg of IPL 2021.
While there have been some reservations shown by players and boards for the second leg ever since the season was abruptly called off, when IPL was strategically scheduled just right before the T20 World Cup in UAE, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expected the players to come in. It was expected that the boards won't be reluctant to send their players for IPL as it would be a preparation for them ahead of the World Cup also at the same venues.
Cricket Australia mulling a tri-series before T20 World Cup
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) which had earlier shown reluctance in allowing players to go for the second leg of IPL have also agreed, cancelling their tour to Bangladesh. Yet the Cricket Australia is yet to give their word on allowing players to play in the tournament.
Meanwhile, the BCCI has informed all the franchises involved in the competition that it will confirm the participation of Aussie players only after August 10. Report carried by Cricbuzz claims that Cricket Australia are in fact in talks with Afghanistan and the West Indies in hope of having a T20I tri-series ahead of the World Cup and if that materialises then the players may not be made available for the IPL.
The news comes at the backdrop of New Zealand Cricket also confirming that it will release their players for the second leg of IPL 2021. While the Black Caps will play a series each in Bangladesh and Pakistan, their IPL bound players won’t be playing in those fixtures and they will be selecting a second-string side.