Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne has admitted that being neglected at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 public sale turned out to be a ‘blessing in disguise’ in the mild of the rising COVID-19 circumstances in India. The 26-year-old, who discovered no consumers at the IPL auctions in February, expressed concern for his compatriots that includes in the ongoing profitable league in India.
“It certainly looks like it (missing out on the IPL) was a blessing in disguise ,” Labuschagne was quoted as saying by ‘PA Media’. “I would love to have played in the IPL, it’s a great tournament. But there’s always two sides to the coin. If I was in the IPL, I would have been away and to win a Shield is something that doesn’t come around often. Secondly, you look at the conditions in India now and it’s not looking great,” Labuschagne, who has linked up with county cricket membership Glamorgan, added.
India is reeling beneath the second wave of the pandemic with circumstances rising by over 3 lakh on a regular basis, a disaster compounded by scarcity of some essential medicines and oxygen provides. The Australian authorities has suspended all direct passenger flights from India till May 15 attributable to the spike in COVID-19 circumstances in India.
The IPL league matches will finish on May 23, adopted by the qualifiers (May 25, 28) and eliminator (May 26) and the closing (May 30) – all scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad.
Labuschagne additionally revealed that a majority of Australian gamers aren’t feeling unsafe in the IPL bio-bubble however are involved about returning again Down Under. “You clearly really feel for them. But I haven’t spoken to too many guys which can be feeling unsafe.
“It’s more about getting back into Australia and what does that look like. I just hope that they stay safe and get back to Australia safely whenever they do,” he added.
The worry of being locked out of their very own nation drove the likes of bowlers Andrew Tye, Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa to take an early flight again to Australia. However, Australian umpire Paul Reiffel’s makes an attempt at leaving hit a useless finish owing to his nation’s suspension of air journey with India.
