Covid-19: IPL stars "playing for humanity"

The BCCI have attempted to temper concerns around the tournament by insisting all players are safe and will be tested more regularly

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The BCCI insist IPL players are "totally safe" and are "playing for humanity" by continuing to play the eight-team tournament amid a catastrophic rise in cases of Covid-19 in India.

Four players have pulled out of the tournament in recent days and some players have privately expressed concern.

Testing of players and support staff will now be carried out every two days (they were previously five days apart) and food deliveries to team hotels have been paused.

An email to all individuals from BCCI interim chief-executive Hemang Amin, seen by The Guardian, has attempted to calm the fears of players and insisted that the tournament has a key role to play as the country attempts to deal with a rise in infections and a lack of oxygen in hospitals.

"While you go about playing the sport we all love, you are also doing something really important," Amin wrote. "As some of you have said, ‘if we can help distract people from all the troubles of recent times, even if it is for a short while, we have done a great job’.

"When you all walk out on to the field, you are bringing hope to millions of people who have tuned in. 

"If even for a minute, you can bring a smile on someone’s face, then you have done well. While you are professionals and will play to win, this time you are also playing for something much more important … humanity.

"I extend my gratitude to all the health and frontline workers. As I conclude, I would again remind you of our most important defence – wear a mask, maintain social distancing and keep good hand hygiene. 

"With that, I wish you a happy, healthy and safe IPL 2021. Remember, we are all in this together. We are all united!"

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