The Indian Premier League (IPL) is at the number one position when a cricket fan considers all the franchise T20 competitions on earth. Such has been the dominance of the IPL that some cricket boards allow their players to participate in the league whilst their team is busy with an international series. However, of late, there have been many foreign players who have withdrawn from IPL.
While one can understand that the IPL 2020 and 2021 were hard for players because of the quarantine and bio-bubble rules. Also, the COVID-19 factor played a vital role. However, some players professionally let the franchises know well in advance that they will not be available to play for them in the tournament.
Recently the English trio informed their respective franchise very late about their withdrawal
Many fans would know that the trio of English cricketers namely Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan and Chris Woakes pulled out of the second phase of the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League at the last moment. Many players had pulled out before them. And their franchise accordingly signed the replacements.
However, these three players made the decision after the fifth match of the ICC World Test Championship series between the Indian cricket team and the England cricket team was cancelled because of COVID-19 concerns. Thus, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings had to hunt for the last-minute replacements.
Aakash Chopra expressed his views on the English trio’s last-minute withdrawal
Famous Indian commentator Aakash Chopra commented regarding the same and mentioned that the IPL franchise will feel betrayed as their players left them at the last moment. Also, he added that the franchise will remember this thing while signing the players at the auction. Chopra also mentioned how the IPL teams may not bid big for Aussie pacer Mitchell Starc who has pulled out of last few seasons.
“It has been a mass exodus. The IPL family doesn’t forget. The English players will have to keep this thing slightly in mind that when you pull out your name from an IPL season, the franchise that has bought you feel cheated, they feel you have been betrayed by them,” Aakash Chopra said.
