In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak in India, Rajasthan Royals pacer Andrew Tye, who left for Australia midway through the IPL, was critical of the franchises' lavish spending on cricket at a time when their country is facing an unprecedented health crisis. Tye, on the other hand, believes the league should go ahead if it is a way to relieve tension or give hope to those who are struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.“Looking at it from an Indian perspective, how are these corporations and franchises, as well as the government, investing so much money on the IPL when people are unable to get into hospitals?
“If sport can continue and be one of those avenues to relieve stress or give a glimmer of hope that the world is OK and there is light at the end of the tunnel, I think it should go ahead. But I know that’s not everyone’s feelings and I completely respect everyone’s views from all angles.” Tye said.
He said that the players (in the IPL) are safe now, but questioned whether they will be safe in the future. Tye, 34, left the IPL on Sunday because he was afraid of being "locked out" of his own country as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak in India. He had yet to play a game for the Royals, despite the fact that his deal
with the team was worth Rs 1 crore.
