On Friday, the 5th Test between India and England was cancelled based on the mutual agreement by both the boards. The main reason was that a few of the Indians cricketers were uncomfortable with the rising COVID cases in the Indian camp. However, a few are expressing their opinion that IPL could be the reason for it. Irfan Pathan has now hit out at those targeting IPL for 5th Test cancellation.
Manchester Test cancelled due to COVID concerns
In the Oval Test, a few members of the Indian contingent came out positive for COVID. Ravi Shastri was also one of them. After the game, India’s second physio Yogesh Parmar also tested positive for the virus. The Indians were tested again, and all of them returned negative tests.
While this cleared the line for the fifth Test, a few Indians were reportedly concerned about the rising COVID cases. Hence, the boards sat for a discussion, and it was decided that the game will be postponed. At the moment, there is no clarity on when the match will take place.
Many are targeting IPL for the 5th Test cancellation
Meanwhile, there is a narrative going around that IPL is the reason for players pulling out of the game. It is said that the Indians did not want to avoid the risk of contracting the virus in the game because this would make them unavailable for the initial IPL games. IPL will start on September 19th in the UAE.
Including many English experts and supporters, IPL was made the target for the development. However, Irfan Pathan has now lashed out at them. He felt that IPL is becoming an easy target due to its cash-rich nature. The former Indian all-rounder had a sarcastic response to the ongoing narrative.
My tooth fell of,can I blame the @IPL ?? #easytarget
Advertisement— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 11, 2021
Meanwhile, most of the Indian cricketers have reached and have started undergoing their quarantine. The first game of the second leg will be between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.
