BCCI to face big loss for IPL suspension.

The inevitable was waiting to happen. This is certainly a big loss of face for the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) as it was a disaster in the making from the start.

The IPL 2021 was played amid an unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic. There was growing clamor to suspend the tournament. The BCCI had to relent and suspend the IPL 2021 because of the breach of the bio-bubble that saw two Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)players - Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier - being tested positive and a few players in the loop line.

IPL chairman Brijesh Patel said all games would be suspended as the number of cases grows within the tournament's bio-security bubble.

The immediate concern for the BCCI is the safe return of foreign players to their respective countries. "The BCCI will do everything in its powers to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all the participants in IPL 2021," said the BCCI in its statement.

Australian cricketers Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson (both Royal Challengers Bangalore) Andrew Tye (Rajasthan Royals) last week had left the IPL, returning home via Qatar.

But any Australian attempting that journey now risks jail time and fines amid the travel ban, though Prime Minister Scott Morrison said such sanctions were "extremely remote".

Cricket Australia said that they were in direct contact with the BCCI as they work through plans to ensure the safe accommodation and repatriation of Australian players, coaches, match officials, and commentators back home to Australia.