IPL 2021: Doubts cast over participation of Indian and English players following post 5th Test call-off

The fifth Test between India and England has been called off due to a COVID case in the Indian camp. As a result, the participation of Indian and English players in IPL 2021 could be delayed.

Team Newsable

Manchester, First Published Sep 10, 2021, 3:14 PM IST

India and England would not lock horns in the fifth Test for the Pataudi Trophy at Old Trafford in Manchester from Friday. The match has been called off following a new COVID case in the Indian camp.

Although the entire Indian squad had tested negative on Thursday, a fresh round of testing will be done on Friday. However, the concern is that if a player tests positive, the entire side might have to go in isolation for ten days, along with the English squad.

Meanwhile, with the 2021 Indian Premier League resuming in the United Arab Emirates from September 19, the sides were scheduled to depart on September 15. However, a positive case could delay the departure of the players from both sides, affecting their participation in the first few games.

Raising concern on the same, former English cricketer Kevin Pietersen tweeted, “So, England v India TEST is CANCELLED due to Covid!!!! WOW!!!! Wow!!! Wow!!! Does it mean with nine days till CSK v MI in Dubai, NO player from each team that’s in the UK will be available if they now have ten days of quarantining in UK?”

ALSO READ: Pataudi Trophy 2021: 5th Test called off following fresh COVID case in Indian camp

While many English critics and fans fear that it could lead India to win the series, some blame India for the mess. However, Pietersen clarified by tweeting, “England left the tour of SA for Covid scares & cost CSA plenty, so don’t go pointing fingers!”

Also, on the same lines, former English skipper Michael Vaughan tweeted, “India have let English Cricket down !!! But England did let South African Cricket down !!!”

The official verdict of the series status is awaited from the International Cricket Council, which states that COVID is an acceptable cause to abandon a Test. It could lead to the series being decided based on the number of matches played. Also, with the point percentage system in effect, it would hardly affect the sides in the points tally of the ICC World Test Championship table.

In the meantime, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has confirmed to ANI that the match has not been forfeited and has just been called off following intense discussions and talks with ECB and players. On the other hand, he asserted that the entire issue would be sorted out in a friendly manner, as further negotiations with ECB are on, including playing the Test later.

NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitise, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona

Last Updated Sep 10, 2021, 4:14 PM IST

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IPL 2021: Doubts cast over participation of Indian and English players following post 5th Test call-off

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