From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Apr 27: Former cricketers and Congress MLC Prakash K Rathod have demanded cancellation of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament in view of the continued spike in the Covid positive cases in different parts of the country.

Rathod has urged the BCCI and the KSCA to cancel the IPL event and has also requested the state government to ban all sporting activity till the COVID-19 situation improves.

“It is also shocking that many players have pulled out of the IPL amid growing anxiety over mounting COVID-19 cases in the country. Three Australian players Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson have packed their bags and have headed towards their country. Our own ace off-spinner R Ashwin has also pulled out of the IPL event.,’’ the Congress leader said and said it is surprising to see that Rajasthan Royals have approached fellow IPL teams to loan players.

'Bubble Fatigue' has taken a toll on the mental status of many players, Rathod said in a press statement. The MLC said it was shocking that seven members of the India women’s hockey team camped at the Sports Authority of India tested positive. The players who tested positive are Rani Rampal, Savita Punia, Sharmila Devi, Rajani, Navjot Kaur and Sushila. In addition, video analyst Amrut Prakash and scientific advisor have also tested positive.

Rathod said it was surprising that the KSCA has been adamant to host the IPL games in Bengaluru.

"Has KSCA forgotten that Bengaluru is number one in Covid cases in India? Is it not the time to be helpful to the people of Bengaluru?,” he said and demanded that the Chinnaswamy Stadium be used as the venue for treating patients.

The Karnataka government should immediately urge the BCCI and the KSCA to cancel the IPL events in Bengaluru, he said adding: “It is time to view the continuance of all sporting activity in Karnataka, the state government should ban all training and sporting activity till the spurge of Covid cases in the second wave comes under control.’’

“Is it necessary to continue playing IPL games when the country is witnessing the highest number of Covid cases in the entire world? The scenes of bodies being burnt in open places have caught the eye of the world. Have we become so inhumane to get entertained by the spectacle of an IPL event? Has BCCI rejected the call for scrapping IPL for financial consideration? It is time for all cricketers to stand by the people of India at this time of grief,’’ he asked.