IPL 2022: KKR's Alex Hales Explains Why He Pulled Out Of The Tournament
England opener Alex Hales withdrew from the IPL 2022 season due to bubble fatigue. He was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) setup after being bought for INR 1.20 crores in the mega auction.
Hales played in the Big Bash League (BBL) where he ended up contracting covid-19. Since then, he has been in extremely severe bio-bubbles and he was afraid he wouldn’t be able to make it through another extended period inside an isolated camp.
“I am sad to announce that I have made the extremely difficult decision to withdraw from the forthcoming IPL. Having spent the last four months away from home in restrictive bio-bubbles and testing position for Covid myself, I don’t feel as though I can commit myself to another extended period in a secure environment,” Hales said in a statement on his Twitter account.
“I want to thank KKR for believing in me during the auction” – Alex Hales
Although he will be missing a chance to play in the biggest T20 league, Hales’ decision was welcomed in the cricketing community. He also thanked his franchise, KKR, for the support during these tough times.
“It wouldn’t be fair on the team or myself if I wasn’t able to perform to the level expected of me as a result of ongoing bubble fatigue. I am truly gutted to have to turn down one of the best opportunities of my career. I’ll now take some time to rest and recharge ahead of the summer. I want to thank KKR for believing in me during the auction and their ongoing support in recent weeks,” Hales said in a statement on his Twitter account.
Hales was replaced by Aaron Finch in the KKR setup and he will be joining the squad for INR 1.50 crores. Additionally, Hales’ English teammate, Jason Roy, had also quit from the IPL 2022 season due to bubble fatigue.
He has taken an indefinite break from cricket and will focus on his mental well-being, similar to what Ben Stokes had done last year before returning to the England setup for the Ashes.
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