Far bigger than cricket, far bigger than KKR: Knight Riders’ emotional appeal to fight against Covid-19

As the pandemic raises its ugly head in one of the world’s most populous countries, its most known and famous brand of sports - the Indian Premier League and its franchisees are coming up with innovative and emotional appeals for people to stay indoors, wear masks and make sure that they fight the Covid-19 with all preventive measures.

In an emotional video uploaded by the Kolkata Knight Riders, the players and staff are seen urging the people to wear masks and maintain social distancing and venture as little as possible outside their homes.

“I know the people out there are struggling with what’s going out there in terms of the pandemic and the situation, not just here in India but also abroad,” Brendon McCullum, chief coach of the Kolkata based franchise is heard saying to his players.

He further urges the players to play a brand of cricket that gives hope and something to look forward to in these grim times, even if it is only for 3-4 hours.

“The situation no doubt is heightened in India and these are difficult times. We are going to do our best to try and play a brand of cricket that gives those people back home, something to look forward to, even if it is just for a three or four hour period,” McCullum, 39, said.

Saying that the players are in a very privileged position, the coach asks them to, ‘give a little bit of hope even in these difficult times’ to all the people in India.

This video comes as a ray of hope in times where players are leaving the IPL midway, countries are banning travel to and from India and the BCCI is going out of the way to assure players that they would do everything to make sure that players are safe in the bubble and reach their homes safer once the IPL is over.

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Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson stuck in Mumbai

Two of the Australian cricketers Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson who had earlier opted out of the IPL 2021 citing “personal reasons” are currently stuck in Mumbai. Australia has temporarily suspended all the flights from India till May 15 after there was a rise in COVID-19 cases in the country. According to a Cricbuzz report, the two players left the RCB bio-bubble on April 25 (Sunday) and checked into a hotel near to the Mumbai airport. A Cricket Australia spokesperson has now said that the board is waiting for a response from the government as to whether Zampa and Richardson would be given an exemption. "We are trying to see if the government does give us the go ahead to bring the players back. If we get the nod, it's all pretty straightforward. But if not, we'll be working with the ACA and BCCI to make sure they're in a secure environment," the spokesperson said. The two Aussie cricketers might fly to Doha from Mumbai and take the similar route to enter Australia as Andrew Tye had taken. Tye had also withdrawn his name from the IPL 2021. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) though has ensured a seamless return for the players and commentators who are featuring in the cash-rich league. “The BCCI will do everything to ensure that you reach your respective destinations seamlessly,” BCCI COO Hemang Amin said in a letter addressed to the players. The final of the IPL is scheduled to take place on May 30 while the league stage will conclude on May 23.

Luke Jongwe rewarded as Zimbabwe announce Test squad for Pakistan series

Zimbabwe rewarded their fast bowling all-rounder Luke Jongwe for his brilliant performance in the recently concluded T20I series against Pakistan, by including him in the 16-man squad to face the same opponent in a two-match Test series. Jongwe, 26, picked up nine wickets in the three T20Is including the best figures of 4-18 in a game which Zimbabwe won by rolling over Pakistan for 99. Along with Jongwe, four other uncapped Test players including Richard Ngarava, Roy Kaia, Milton Shumba and Tanaka Chivanga have been called up for the series that starts on April 29 with the first Test at the Harare Sports Club. While Brendan Taylor, the experienced wicket-keeper batsman and former skipper has made a comeback, Craig Ervine continues to miss out because of a calf injury. From the previous tour of Zimbabwe, there are many omissions which include injured Sikandar Raza. Ryan Burl, Wesley Madhevere, Richmond Mutumbami, and Brandon Mavuta are the others to miss out on a berth in the side. Zimbabwe's Test squad Sean Williams (capt), Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chisoro, Tanaka Chivanga, Luke Jongwe, Roy Kaia, Kevin Kasuza, Wellington Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Tarisai Musakanda, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Milton Shumba, Brendan Taylor, Donald Tiripano

T. Natarajan undergoes successful knee surgery

India and Sunrisers Hyderabad fast bowler T. Natarajan underwent a successful knee surgery. The left-arm pacer posted a picture on social media that read, “Today, I underwent knee surgery- and am grateful for the expertise, attention and kindness of the medical team, surgeons, doctors, nurses and staff. I’m grateful to @bcci and to all that have wished well for me.” Natarajan who is a part of SRH setup was ruled out of the IPL 2021 after his knee injury popped up again after he featured in just a couple of matches for the franchise. The left-arm bowler played against KKR where he picked up one wicket for 37 runs and against RCB where he returned with figures of 1/32. He has played a total of 24 IPL matches where the quick bowler has scalped 20 wickets. The 2016 champions Hyderabad are presently struggling to get their form back after they have lost four out of the five matches in this edition and are presently tottering at the bottom of the points table. SRH last suffered a defeat against Delhi Capitals in Chennai in an encounter that went into the Super Over. The David Warner-led team only managed to score 7 runs in the over on a track that had something to offer to the spinners. Later, Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant took DC over the line to win the match. Earlier, the Sunrisers fans witnessed another dismal show from their middle-order after the side failed to chase down 160 in 20 overs despite a responsible knock from Kane Williamson where he scored 66 off 51. They will now face CSK in Delhi on Wednesday.

Will do everything to ensure that you reach home seamlessly: BCCI to Aussie cricketers

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has ensured that the arrangements will be made to send Australian players back home once the Indian Premier League is over. “We understand that many of you are apprehensive about how you will get back home once the tournament concludes... We want to apprise you that you have nothing to worry about,” BCCI COO Hemang Amin said in a letter addressed to the players. “The BCCI will do everything to ensure that you reach your respective destinations seamlessly,” the letter further read. Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison made a blunt statement and said that the players competing in the Indian Premier League will have to make their “own arrangements” for returning home after the tournament is over. Australia has suspended all the flights from India after there was a spike in COVID-19 cases until May 15. “They have travelled there privately. This wasn’t part of an Australian tour. They’re under their own resources and they’ll be using those resources too, I’m sure, to see them return to Australia in accordance with their own arrangements,” Morrison was quoted as saying by ‘The Guardian’. Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson were the three Aussie cricketers who had opted out of the cash-rich league while as many 14 players including SRH skipper David Warner, DC’s new recruit Steve Smith and KKR pacer Pat Cummings are still part of the IPL. Apart from them, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting who is the coach of DC and Simon Katich who is part of the coaching staff for RCB are also in India with their respective franchises. Matthew Hayden, Brett Lee, Michael Slater and Lisa Sthalekar are among the Australians who are in the commentators’ panel. The IPL is slated to end on May 30 while the league stage ends on May 23.