The ongoing Indian Premier League has been facing criticism from many as the country battles the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. According to Hindustan Times, five players have pulled out from the tournament so far including Ravichandran Ashwin, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson, Andrew Tye and Liam Livingstone citing Covid-related reasons.
However, people online have divided opinions on whether the IPL should continue amidst such a health crisis. While some people believe that the tournament should be called off, others think that the IPL provides a distraction to its wide audience, which during such times is much needed.
In addition to this, the official Twitter account of The Indian Express recently tweeted that they will not be covering the IPL until “a semblance of normalcy is restored”.
“In such a tragic time, we find it incongruous that the festival of cricket is on in India…Cricket, too, must accept that we are passing through an unprecedented crisis,” the statement read.
Have a look:
No IPL coverage in our newspaper from today. Our Editor's note:@gsvasu_TNIE @Sunday_Standard @TheMornStandard @Xpress_Sports pic.twitter.com/e7GpE2pMtp
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) April 25, 2021
On one hand, some highlighted how people turn to the IPL as a much-needed respite from the negative Covid-centered news.
I don’t get this issue about IPL.
Don’t watch it, if it offends you.
But let those who want the diversion right now have it.— Harini Calamur (#StayHome) (@calamur) April 25, 2021
It’s tricky. It’s tough. There are patients in isolation wards or quarantine who read the news paper daily and not reading sports and reading only about pandemic makes their mental battle more tough. So not a wiser choice IMO.
— Prabhu (@Cricprabhu) April 25, 2021
Cricket is something me and my family look forward to during these times where everywhere else all we see is despair. Human mind needs some break to feel good. Feel good helps to boost immunity.
— Harshit (@ChoroMarwari) April 25, 2021
All those telecast/programs should be encouraged which keep people engaged at home in current situation. IPL is one of those. https://t.co/6xqS45fKR4
— Jatan Acharya 🇮🇳 (@jatanacharya) April 25, 2021
On the other hand, some suggested that stadiums could be turned into Covid wards for the increasing number of patients.
I think it’s more the absence of acknowledgement from them. They could convert IPL into a fundraiser for oxygen and other help for the poor and pledge all their endorsements for that right https://t.co/1ckdxHz7Fw
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) April 25, 2021
Do think the IPL should stop now. Because it’s vulgar to see IPL updates in the middle of helplessness and crisis calls. But, 4 hours of IPL everyday helps my COVID-affected Dad feel slightly better for a while. So, I’ll be selfish enough to want IPL to go on.
— Sohini (@Mittermaniac) April 21, 2021
Of course people can 'not watch IPL'. But that is not the point. A national tragedy is a time for EVERY SINGLE resource. Players are being tested every other day. Ambulances wait outside stadiums. Police requirement. These are resources that can save lives. And every life matters
— Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee) April 26, 2021
Why are IPL matches still happening in the middle of this horrid covid shitshow. All these stadiums have world-class facilities & more than ample space, why not use them for covid patients, ration distributing, vaccine drive or any of the 100 things more important than bat & ball
— Sankul Sonawane (@sankul333) April 21, 2021
Remember when @CricketAus cancelled their tour to South Africa because of 1,000 Covid cases a day but let their players play IPL with 325,000 cases per day. Standards.
— Dean Oelschig (@DeanOelsch) April 22, 2021
Indian cricketers’ families are dealing with Covid. Australian cricketers are nervous about travel. Tye has left. Ashwin won’t take part. Ponting and D Hussey have spoken frankly. The IPL may be a welcome distraction for many but don’t discount the mental stress on those playing
— Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee) April 26, 2021
Unpopular opinion : Cancel IPL season and convert stadiums into covid hosiptals
— Shah (@beeing_shah) April 15, 2021
What do you think of this issue? Tell us.
Cover image: source.