Amid hugs, tears of joy and relief, Australia’s jumbo IPL contingent comprising players, support staff and commentators on Monday reunited with their family members after serving a 14-day hotel quarantine here.
The highlight of the day was premier fast bowler Pat Cummins exiting the hotel and reuniting with his pregnant partner Becky Boston, a video of which was uploaded on Twitter by well-known Australian sports journalist Chloe-Amanda Bailey.
“Video of the day! After eight weeks away for the IPL, Pat Cummins finally leaves hotel quarantine and reunites with his pregnant partner Becky. All the feels!” Bailey tweeted alongside the video.
Besides Cummins, batting maestro Steve Smith, big-hitting all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and the swashbuckling opener Dave Warner were among those who finally embraced their loved ones after nearly eight weeks away from home.
Most of them had not seen their families since heading into the Indian Premier League in early April. They were flown home via a charter flight after the IPL was postponed owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cricket Australia’s newly-appointed chief executive officer Nick Hockley said the feeling among the players about going home to be with their families could not be understated.
“We’ve been texting, and I’ve spoken to a couple of the broader group, not just the players but there’s commentators, match officials and physios,” Hockley said.
“They are clearly quite shaken from the experience, very appreciative to be home back here in Australia.”
“I would reiterate that the BCCI have been absolutely fantastic in supporting the playing group, and the entire group in terms of getting home safely and we’re very grateful for that,” Hockley said.
“It’s a couple of weeks before the West Indies touring party regroups at the National Cricket Centre and I think that's a time to re-focus.
“But I know for now they’re looking forward to spending some time over the next couple of weeks with family and friends.”