Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers Association in a joint statement has confirmed that they are in touch with the Australian players present in the IPL bio-bubble after the indefinite suspension of the tournament. It further confirmed that it would not ask for an exemption from May 15 deadline set by the Australian government for a ban on travel to and from India.
Terming the decision of BCCI to indefinitely postpone the 2021 Indian Premier League as being in favour of the safety and wellbeing of all participants, CA added that the Indian board is working closely to ensure the safe return of Aussie cricketers back home.
"CA is in direct contact with the BCCI as they work through plans to ensure the safe accommodation and repatriation of Australian players, coaches, match officials and commentators back home to Australia,” the joint statement released on Tuesday, May 4, read.
"CA and the ACA respect the decision of the Australian Government to pause travel from India until at least May 15 and will not seek exemptions. CA and the ACA thank the BCCI for their efforts and cooperation for the safe repatriation of all participants at the IPL," it added.
Earlier in the day, the BCCI and IPL Chairman Brijesh Patel released a statement saying the tournament, which was scheduled to be played till May 30, has been suspended indefinitely.
"The BCCI does not want to compromise on the safety of the players, support staff and the other participants involved in organising the IPL. This decision was taken keeping the safety, health and well-being of all the stakeholders in mind,” the statement read.
"The BCCI will do everything in its powers to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all the participants in IPL 2021," it said regarding the foreigners involved in the league.