IPL 2021: BCCI concerned about availability of Australia players for UAE leg

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) received a huge boost when England, West Indies and New Zealand players confirmed their availability for the UAE leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. However, the BCCI is still concerned about the participation of Australian players as there is no official confirmation from the players or the Australian Cricket Board (CA).

Franchises like Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have more Aussie players in the squad and the teams would be hit badly if the players miss out during the final stages of the high-profile league cricket. 

The likes of David Warner, Glenn Maxwell are integral parts of their franchise and increase the brand value of the event. However, with CA getting in touch with Afghanistan and West Indies board to have a T20I tri-series before the ICC T20 World Cup , the chances of their participation look grim. Moreover, most of the IPL bound players had pulled out of the West Indies and Bangladesh tour and if the players go and play in the IPL, it will be very difficult for them to justify their decision to the CA. Pat Cummins has already hinted that he won't take part in the second leg while Steve Smith too is likely to pull out. The BCCI has informed all the franchises that they will confirm the participation of the Aussie players only after August 10. The second leg of the IPL will get underway on September 19.