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IPL 2021: Andrew Tye questions expenditure by IPL franchises amidst COVID crisis

Andrew Tye, the Rajasthan Royals fast bowler, flew back to Australia on Sunday to avoid the risk of not being able to return home.

By Arnab Mukherji | Apr 26, 2021 | 2 Min Read

Australian fast bowler Andrew Tye has opted to leave the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 midway, and head back home. However, Tye has generated a lot of controversy with his remarks over the expenditure of the franchises, with India currently battling the COVID-19 pandemic. The 34-year-old is not the only Australian to have opted out of the tournament recently, with Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson taking the same decision. The Australian government is reportedly considering a ban on all flights from India, amid a major spike of COVID-19 cases in the country.

“I just thought I should try and get on the front foot and get home before I got locked out of the country,” said Tye in an interaction with Cricket Australia’s official website.

The Australian cricketer got married in Perth earlier this month, shortly before departing for India in order to represent the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2021.

“I think I’ve had 11 days at home and out of the bubble since August. I just wanted to get home. Dealing with the stress of bubble life has taken its toll.”

Tye’s Assessment From Indian Point Of View

Tye’s statements from this stage are quite controversial in nature.

“From a player safety point of view, we’re safe now but is it going to stay safe?” said the Australian cricketer.

“But looking at it from an Indian point of view, how are these companies and franchises spending so much money, and the government, on the IPL when there’s people not being able to get accepted into hospital?” he added.

“If sport can continue and be one of those avenues to relieve stress or give a glimmer of hope that the world is OK and there is light at the end of the tunnel, I think it should go ahead. But I know that’s not everyone’s feelings and I completely respect everyone’s views from all angles,” concluded Tye.

The cash-rich league is being organised in a tightly controlled bio-secure bubble, with proper precautions at every stage.

There are now only 14 Australian players remaining in the ongoing edition. This includes coach Ricky Ponting as well as commentators like Matthew Hayden, Brett Lee and Michael Slater.