3 England players have pulled out of the second phase of IPL 2021 one day after the fifth Test between India and England was canceled amid the COVID-19 scare in the Indian camp. Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, and Dawid Malan pulled out of the tournament on Sunday.
In the wake of it, one franchise official is upset with a member of his team pulling out as he had confirmed his availability for the season, a report in Insidesport suggests. The report also adds that the player had also requested for travel arrangements to be made. However, the player changed his mind following the 5th Test’s cancellation.
Bairstow, Malan, Woakes have pulled out of the IPL after the 5th India v England Test was called off. Coincidence or tit for tat?
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) September 12, 2021
“I spoke to our contracted player in England on Thursday evening and he confirmed his arrival to UAE on 15th Sep & also requested us to make arrangements for his partner who he said will be joining with him. We agreed for the same. And on Saturday, we were informed that he is not coming. Coaches, management all are very upset. This is completely unprofessional and against the spirit of our contracts. We have also written to BCCI about it,” the official told InsideSport.
Meanwhile, previously, Jos Buttler had already pulled out of the second phase of IPL 2021 while Jofra Archer was ruled out due to an injury. Ace all-rounder Ben Stokes was also ruled out as he opted for an indefinite break from cricket citing mental health.
10 more England cricketers to participate in the UAE leg of IPL 2021
Despite a couple of English cricketers pulling out of the competition, there are still 10 cricketers who will travel to the UAE to play in the IPL 2021. England captain Eoin Morgan heads the list, who will be leading Kolkata Knight Riders in the UAE.
The UAE leg of the tournament kicks off on September 19 with defending champions Mumbai Indians squaring off against Chennai Super Kings. The final will be played on October 15.
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