After Ravichandran Ashwin decided to walk out of this IPL, three more players have walked out of the competition citing personal reasons. They are Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson and AJ Tye. All three have returned to Australia.
Zampa and Richardson played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, while Tye was part of the Rajasthan Royals squad. A statement by the RCB on Twitter read, “Adam Zampa & Kane Richardson are returning to Australia for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the remainder of #IPL2021. Royal Challengers Bangalore management respects their decision and offers them complete support.”
Official Announcment:
Adam Zampa & Kane Richardson are returning to Australia for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the remainder of #IPL2021. Royal Challengers Bangalore management respects their decision and offers them complete support.#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers pic.twitter.com/NfzIOW5Pwl
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 26, 2021
Rajasthan Royals wrote on Twitter, “AJ Tye flew back to Australia earlier today due to personal reasons. We will continue to offer any support he may need.”
AJ Tye flew back to Australia earlier today due to personal reasons. We will continue to offer any support he may need.#RoyalsFamily
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 25, 2021
Earlier, Ashwin had announced that he was quitting the IPL to take care of his family members, who are struggling to cope with the pandemic, which has wreaked havoc across India. Ashwin had written, “I would be taking a break from this years IPL from tomorrow. My family and extended family are putting up a fight against #COVID19 and I want to support them during these tough times. I expect to return to play if things go in the right direction. Thank you @DelhiCapitals.”
Many have questioned the decision to hold the IPL amidst the pandemic, while others have argued that the cricket extravaganza has served as the much-needed distraction from gloomy environment.