IPL 2021: Adam Gilchrist Asks If IPL "Inappropriate Or Important Distraction Each Night" Amidst The COVID-19 Surge As India Battles Second Wave

Former Australia keeper-batsman, Adam Gilchrist made a controversial statement and stirred up a debate around the ongoing 14th edition of the Indian Premier League.

Adam Gilchrist asked the fans if it was appropriate to continue with the IPL 2021 amidst the surge in covid-19 cases in the country, or does it provide a good distraction every evening from the crisis caused by the virus.

The 2009 IPL winner expressed his concerns over the covid cases which are increasing at an alarming rate and wished his good luck and prayers to India, where over 3,40,000 new COVID-19 cases  – an all-time high on a single day – were recorded on Saturday.

As per official records, India recorded 2,624 new deaths due to COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, and the number of deaths increase as well, owing to the lack of proper medical facilities.

Adam Gilchrist on IPL:

“Best wishes to all in India. Frightening Covid numbers. #IPL continues. Inappropriate? Or important distraction each night? Whatever your thoughts, prayers are with you,” Adam Gilchrist Tweet.

This tweet from Adam Gilchrist initiated up a debate on social media – while some felt the IPL should be halted with urgency, others pointed out that the people involved in it are staying in the bio-bubble, and after the early phase, no covid positive result has been recorded amongst players or staff members.

Best wishes to all in India ?? Frightening Covid numbers. #IPL continues. Inappropriate? Or important distraction each night? Whatever your thoughts, prayers are with you. ?

— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) April 24, 2021

Indian cricketers voice their concern over the covid situation

The Chennai Super Kings duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Suresh Raina, too, expressed their concerns with regards to the terrifying covid situation in the country. Jadeja urged fans to follow the covid protocols and thanked the medical caretakers for servicing in the difficult times. Raina lamented over the loss of lives and decreasing resources.

“Right now more than ever we need to be united in our fight against Covid-19. Please wear a mask,follow social distancing and let’s adhere to the government norms. As citizens,we must be responsible, and I thank the doctors, nurses for their selfless service in these tough times,” Ravindra Jadeja tweeted.

Suresh Raina tweeted: “India is battling a crisis situation today. The medical infrastructure is slowly collapsing, resources depleting and more lives at risk than ever before. There is no pain greater than seeing your loved one fight the battle”.

Speaking of the IPL, Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore is leading the table as of Saturday with 4 wins in as many games, followed by MS Dhoni’s team with 6 points – both the side will clash on Sunday afternoon in Mumbai for the numero uno spot. Kolkata Knight Riders, after suffering a loss to Rajasthan Royals on Saturday, have slumped to the bottom of the table with just 1 win in 5 games.

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