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Team India Picture Credit: BCCI

With the Indian government opening up its COVID-19 vaccination programme to every citizen above the age of 18 from May 1, all eyes will be on the cricketers featuring in ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Interestingly, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has left it up to the players to opt to get a vaccine during the tournament or not. Fresh reports have confirmed that it would be for the cricketers to decide on the vaccination once the window for everyone above 18 opens up in a few days from now.

"The Indian players can get vaccinated from Saturday. It is a call that is left on the players," a source close to the BCCI was quoted as saying in a report.

"Only the Indian players can get vaccinated here," the source clarified suggesting that the overseas players and support staff members will not be able to receive their vaccines in India.

Andrew Tye, Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa make early exit due to COVID situation in India

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc around the world, overseas stars like Andrew Tye, Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa have made an early exit from the competition. Tye even questioned the franchise and local government's decision to carry on with the tournament at a time when people are not being able to get medical treatment in India.

Meanwhile, KKR speedster Pat Cummins announced his decision to donate $50,000 to India's fight against the dreaded virus, also urging fellow IPL cricketers to contribute to the country's fight.