Sydney: The BCCI is footing the bill for the 14-day quarantine of Australian IPL players. These IPL players have arrived here from the Maldives, Cricket Australia interim CEO Nick Hockley said Tuesday. Most of the 38 members of the Australian contingent, including top players such as Pat Cummins and Steve Smith landed here Monday. They were accompanied by officials and commentators.
The players had to spend 10 days in Maldives. This was due to a ban imposed by the Australian government on travellers from Covid-ravaged India till May 15.
Hockley said the BCCI has kept its promise and funded the whole operation. “Yes,” Hockley told the ‘Sydney Morning Herald’ when asked if BCCI was paying for the mandatory quarantine.
“BCCI at the outset committed to ensuring that they (Australians) got home safely and as quickly as possible. We’ve been working closely with them. They’ve been fantastic. They’ve delivered on that promise,” Hockley added.
The IPL was indefinitely suspended May 4 after four players and two coaches from four teams tested Covid-19 positive.
The Australian players, however, couldn’t head home immediately. This was because their country had imposed a travel ban from India.
The BCCI had then assured the players that it will do everything possible to ensure their safe return home. “Obviously our thoughts are with all of our friends in India. Then we’ve been working with the government, within the existing frameworks. The BCCI has seen to it that Australians return home as quickly as possible,” Hockley said.
“I know the players, having texted a few of them, are extremely appreciative of the BCCI. We’re really pleased that they’re home safely,” he added.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had earlier said that the players who played in the IPL will have to make their ‘own arrangements’.