Cricket-Afghanistan ODI series shelved, Australians can end IPL

SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australia’s scheduled one-day international series against Afghanistan in India has been postponed, cricket boards from rival countries said on Sunday when players will be free to meet their Indian Premier League (IPL) commitments.

The three one-day entrants were supposed to take place before the Twenty20 World Cup, but the tournament has now been relocated to the United Arab Emirates due to its COVID-19 presence in India.

The Afghan Cricket Board (ACB) “and Cricket Australia agreed to postpone the tour given the complexity of the trip, the quarantine times and finding a suitable venue for the matches, given the relocation of the T20 World Cup to the United Arab Emirates.” opinion.

“Following the transfer of the World Cup from India to the United Arab Emirates, ACB will continue to explore the possibility of hosting the proposed T20 tri series involving Australia and the West Indies.”

The IPL was suspended for the time being in May when several players and backroom staff tested COVID-19 for positive. The remaining matches will be played in the UAE from September 19 to October 15.

Despite the tournament’s proximity to the T20 World Cup, Cricket Australia said it would allow players to participate and fulfill lucrative contracts.

“There are no statements of objection for Australian players wishing to participate in the remaining Indian Premier League (IPL) upcoming matches in the UAE,” Cricket Australia said.

While Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins has already said he misses the IPL decision over the impending birth of his first child, other top players such as David Warner and Steve Smith can now take part.

The Twenty20 World Cup will be held in the United Arab Emirates and Oman from October 17 to November 14.

(Reported by Nick Mulvenney; Editor: William Mallard)