ACA chief urges Australia players to do homework before signing up for T20 leagues in Covid-19 era

Australian Cricketers Association chief executive Todd Greenberg has said Australian cricketers should do due diligence and homework when it comes to assessing risks in overseas T20 leagues at a time when Covid-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc.

The Indian Premier League became the second T20 league after Pakistan Super League to be suspended mid-way in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. IPL 2021 was postponed indefinitely on May 4 after several positive cases were reported in the bio-bubbles of franchises across India, which is battling a severe second wave of Covid-19 infections.

As many as 14 Australian players along with support staff and commentators (a total of 40-strong contingent) were left stranded in India as Australia shut its borders for all those flying from India at least until May 15. The Australia cricketers who were part of the IPL will head to the Maldives and wait for a connecting flight back home.

“I’m not sure it will create reticence but it will ensure players do their due diligence before they sign agreements,” Greenberg told ESPNcricinfo.

“The world is literally changing before our eyes particularly with Covid and on that side of the world, obviously, those cases are going up exponentially.”

While a few Australian players, such Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh and Josh Philippe, withdrew before IPL-14 began, citing bubble fatigue, the likes of Adam Zampa, Kane Richrdson and Andrew Tye pulled out of the event midway and managed to return home before their government closed their border.

“We’re enjoying our freedoms here in Australia. It is a very different place over there. If anything it sends a message to players about making sure you do your homework before making any decisions,” Greenberg added.

Greenberg acknowledged that many members of the Australian contingent may be dealing with anxiety and stress at the moment, but promised help once they return to their country.

“I was at pains to point it out during the week, the public will see our best Australian cricketers as almost superheroes, they’re brilliant athletes, great cricketers, but they’re human beings, some of them are fathers and husbands and they’re under enormous amounts of stress,” Greenberg said.

“Some deal with it differently. This will probably be an experience they will never forget.

“We will help them when they come home. Some will cope with it really well, others will need support and counselling and that’s what we’ll do.”

As many as 8 England cricketers reached London on Wednesday and 3 other players will be heading home shortly. England nationals returning from India have to be in compulsory isolation at government-approved hotels.