The cancellation of the 5th Test between India and England has opened up a bigger window for Indian cricketers in the United Kingdom ahead of the restart of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season. While it isn’t yet known which players have been given the go-ahead to join their respective franchises, certain franchises have prepared their plans for the players’ departures.
Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings will fly out their players from the UK on commercial flights.
“We tried charter flights but since it was a last-minute option, we could not arrange any. Our players will be leaving tonight and will reach Dubai tomorrow. Some of the England players (in IPL) will also come along with them,” CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told the portal.
Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon also confirmed that the franchise’s players will be leaving on Saturday on commercial flights.
“We have arranged commercial flights for our players. They will be leaving tonight. As for England players, we expect them to come at a later date. They are not coming along with them,” he said.
Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore have managed to arrange a charter flight for their players — Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj. The duo will also leave from the UK on Saturday.
“Keeping the safety and security of our players as the utmost priority, Royal Challengers Bangalore have arranged a special charter flight for captain Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj to ensure their safe transit to the UAE. The players will be flying out at 11.30 PM (UK time) on Saturday and will arrive in Dubai early Sunday morning. Both, Virat and Siraj will undergo 6-day quarantine in Dubai before joining the team bio-secure bubble,” RCB said in a statement.
