The debate: A lot of debate has been surrounding the resumption of the lucrative Indian Premier League despite the harrowing situation of the coronavirus ‘storm’, as described by PM Modi, in India. The sports league has been criticized for continuing despite the daily infection count crossing 350,000 and over 3000+ deaths daily.
Best wishes to all in India Frightening Covid numbers. #IPL continues. Inappropriate? Or important distraction each night? Whatever your thoughts, prayers are with you.
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) April 24, 2021
Delhi is devastated by Covid, and thousands are dying. Delhi is hosting today's IPL cricket match. What a country! What it's priority!
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) April 28, 2021
Supporters of the league argue that the league is providing entertainment and escape from the intense situation in the country.
I think the IPL should carry on .. The joy it will be bringing billions in these awful times every evening is important .. but I do find it tough to think back how England & Aussie pulled out of games in SA,yet both countries players are allowed to play in India !!! #IPL2021
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 27, 2021
IPL Statement: A statement by the IPL has said that they respect the decision of the players to leave, and assured other players that they are totally safe in the bio secure bubble. Furthermore they added how the players are playing for humanity.
The BCCI has told the eight teams in #IPL2021 that they will not just be playing to win this time, but for something "much more important…humanity." https://t.co/HBo6MAXHrG
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 28, 2021
The situation: Matches are currently being played in Delhi, and a Twitter user commented on how a match is happening just a few miles away from where 100s of bodies are being burned in a congregational ceremony due to lack of resources.
There is an IPL match in Delhi today. A little further from the stadium is a crematorium where COVID patients’ bodies are being burned day & night while more dead bodies are lined up for their finals rites. They continue to play their game while people fight for their lives!
— Amena (@AmenaAAzeez) April 28, 2021
No IPL coverage in our newspaper from today. Our Editor's note:
@gsvasu_TNIE @Sunday_Standard @TheMornStandard @Xpress_Sports pic.twitter.com/e7GpE2pMtp— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) April 25, 2021
Players withdraw: Three Australian cricketers Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson, and Andrew Tye have withdrawn from the league due to the situation, following Ravichandran Ashwin who left the league to be close with his family who are fighting against COVID-19. Adam Zampa said he left the league because of mental health exhaustion.
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
— Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) April 25, 2021
Players Kane Williamson and David Warner were seen flying to Delhi in full PPE and the picture was criticized for being a waste of resources in such a drastic time
Kane Williamson and David Warner pose for a photograph while on a flight in India #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/PVgJuUB6E4
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) April 27, 2021