IPL 2021 stars urged to play on by BCCI despite Covid-19 crisis gripping country

Email sent out by Indian cricket board assures players of safety and stresses importance of tournament continuing during lockdown

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Players taking part in this year's Indian Premier League have been assured they will remain safe from the country's coronavirus crisis and urged to play on for "humanity".

An email from Hemang Amin, interim chief operating officer at the Board of Control for Cricket in India, has been issued to squad members of the eight franchises in a bid to instil confidence in the tournament following several high-profile departures.

With daily infections topping 350,000 in recent days and public health in a state of emergency amid oxygen shortages, the continuation of a glamorous sporting event has become an increasingly jarring spectacle.

India star Ravichandran Ashwin has stepped aside to help support his extended family and a trio of Australians – Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson – opted to fly home before travel restrictions were placed.

The PA news agency also understands that although there is considerable unease among the English contingent, who are receiving daily assistance from the England and Wales Cricket Board, over in India none are currently intending to cut their contracts short.

The message from Amin reads: "We understand that many of you are apprehensive about how you will get back home once the tournament concludes, which is natural and understandable.

"We want to apprise you that you have nothing to worry about. The BCCI will do everything to ensure that you reach your respective destinations seamlessly.

"The BCCI is monitoring the situation very closely and is working with the government authorities to make arrangements to get you home once the tournament concludes.

"Be rest assured that the tournament is not over for BCCI till each one of you has reached your home, safe and sound."

Stressing the value of providing a stricken country entertainment during lockdown, Amin continued: "If, even for a minute, you can bring a smile on someone's face, then you have done well.

"While you are professionals and will play to win, this time you are also playing for something much more important ... humanity. Remember, we are all in this together. We are all united!"

Limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan leads England's IPL contingent, joined by Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Dawid Malan, Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Jordan, Chris Woakes, Tom Curran, Sam Curran and Sam Billings.

The regular IPL season ends on May 23, with play-offs to follow before the final set to take place on May 30.

Meanwhile, Australia's players were warned by their Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday that there will be no special treatment for flights back Down Under.

Australia on Tuesday suspended direct flights from India until at least May 15 to prevent more virulent Covid-19 strains entering the country, and Morrison said the cricketers would not be allowed to jump the queue for repatriation flights when they resume.

"It's done on vulnerability," Morrison told reporters. "They travelled there privately under those arrangements, this wasn't part of an Australian tour.

"They're under their own resources and they'll be using those resources to, I'm sure, see them return to Australia."