Steve Smith, David Warner, might withdraw from IPL 2021

Australian batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner are likely to withdraw from IPL 2021 amid the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in India. Andrew Tye, Ravichandran Ashwin, Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson are some of the players that have recently pulled out of the tournament. Now a report has surfaced that Steve Smith and David Warner could also fly back home soon.

Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa both were playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Andrew Tye was a part of the Rajasthan Royals squad. With these three Australian players withdrawing, the IPL 2021 now has 14 Aussie players left. Cricket Australia contacted all Australia's IPL bound players on Monday. The officials inquired about the players' health and their travel plans.

Australian cricketers, commentators, support staff thinking of leaving India amidst COVID-19 surge

David Warner captains Sunrisers Hyderabad, while Steve Smith is representing Delhi Capitals. The report further stated that around 30 Australian players, coaches, and commentators are likely to get out of India. This is because of the deteriorating situation right across the country. According to Channel9, talks about bringing David Warner, Steve Smith, and coaches like Ricky Ponting, David Hussey and Simon Katich back home have taken place. However, nothing definite has come up. Brett Lee, Michael Slater and Matthew Hayden are also in India as they are a part of the commentary panel. They will also have to head back home if Cricket Australia takes any decision.

Another Aussie pacer, Nathan Coulter-Nile, claimed that the IPL bio-bubble is safer than finding a way back home. Nathan further stated that he is prepared to quarantine in a third country for a while if entry into Australia directly from India is bolted. The MI pacer indicated that all the players, staff, and all the workers go through the medical examinations thrice a day. The Western Australian also reckoned that the bubble measures are pretty secure and not more one could do. Nathan believes that if every cricketer and staff abide by it, they should be fine.

Since the beginning of 2021, the second wave of Covid-19 has become a massive concern for the Indian government and the people residing in the country. The rise in Covid-19 cases has created a health crisis in the nation. Several people are even finding it hard to find a hospital for their treatment. At present, there are more than 26 Lakh active cases of Covid-19 in India, and the numbers are rising every single day.

READ MORE Cricket articles here!