According to Cricket Australia, Kevin Roberts has expressed on Tuesday, it’s being speculated that the board might have a second look at all of its players’ IPL contracts keeping the coronavirus pandemic in mind. CA has put an indefinite pause on all cricket in the country, for the time being.
Australia postponed the tournaments
Cricket Australia joined the club of postponing the matches, while many sports event has been called off due to coronavirus pandemic. Australian board cancelled the Sheffield Shield and announced New South Wales as the winner, as did New Zealand Cricket on Monday, announcing the Wellington Firebirds as the champions of the Plunket Shield season.
PCB was forced to cancel the final rounds of the Pakistan Super League(PSL) in effect of the corona spread.
The same happens to cash rich Indian Premier League(IPL) which has been postponed to April 15. BCCI after considering with IPL franchises comes out with this decision. Australia cricket board also confirms that the planned T20 world cup will happen as scheduled.
The pandemic in India is alarming with 120 positive cases and three deaths reported so far. So to follow what Kevin Roberts has suggested, Cricket Australia might be looking into its players’ contracts before allowing them, among other factors, to participate in the biggest T20 league in the world.
Aussies players advice to re- evaluate
Earlier on Tuesday, Cricket Australia chief Kevin Roberts hinted that IPL contracts might be speculated and top players like Steve Smith, David Warner, Glenn Maxwell and Pat Cummins might be asked to give up their contracts. Due to the increase in corona infection Australia cricket board advice players to re-evaluate IPL contracts.
“We can provide advice. We’re conscious of the fact that Australian players are individually contracted to the IPL and the time will certainly come very soon where players are going to be really interested and leaning on our perspective as their leader… to advise them in that regard,” Roberts was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
“And then there will also be a perspective from the BCCI and their IPL division within that and together with our players and the BCCI, I am sure players will reach the best possible decisions in uncertain circumstances.”
Australian players in IPL
There are 17 Australian players contracted with different IPL franchises. The Australia report said that pacer Pat Cummins, former skipper Steve Smith, opener David Warner and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell could be asked to give up their rich contracts.
Cummins had become the highest paid overseas player in the history of the IPL with a contract worth $3.2 million with Kolkata Knight Riders.
Maxwell received a $2.2 million contract with Kings XI Punjab.
