Surrey could have star trio back soon after IPL season is postponed

BY MARCUS HOOK

Surrey trio Sam Curran, Tom Curran and Jason Roy look set to return to county action earlier than expected, following the postponement of the Indian Premier League, due to rising coronavirus cases in India.

Sam Curran, assigned to the Chennai Super Kings, was one of the 2021 competition’s leading wicket-takers when it was paused indefinitely on Tuesday, with seven rounds of matches played.

But the decision to halt the tournament became inevitable when Chennai bowling coach Lakshmipathy Balaji tested positive for Covid-19 and the fixture between Eoin Morgan’s Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore was postponed after two KKR players contracted the virus.

A statement issued by the IPL said: “The BCCI does not want to compromise on the safety of the players, support staff and the other participants involved in organising the IPL.

“This decision was taken keeping the safety, health and wellbeing of all the stakeholders in mind.

“These are difficult times, especially in India and while we have tried to bring in some positivity and cheer, however, it is imperative that the tournament is now suspended and everyone goes back to their families and loved ones in these trying times.

“The BCCI will do everything in its powers to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all the participants in IPL 2021.”

Teams in the IPL had been operating within their own bubbles, but the overseas players will now be making arrangements to fly out.

Tom Curran made just two appearances for Delhi Capitals, who were topping the table, while Jason Roy proved surplus to requirements after joining Sunrisers Hyderabad as a replacement for Australia’s Mitchell Marsh.

Before they can play for Surrey, the Curran brothers and Roy will all need to serve a strict period of quarantine when they return to the UK.