England players not happy with cancellation of fifth Test, might pull out of IPL - Reports

The England-India series delivered spectacular action while it lasted. However, it came to a tame end when the 5th Test was called off due to the fears of COVID-19 in the visitors’ camp. India’s assistant physio Yogesh Parmar was tested positive for COVID-19 which led to the cancellation of the practice session on eve of the match. However, with players returning negative COVID-19 reports, the match was all set to go. But several Indian players were not in favour of going ahead and playing the final Test as they didn’t want to take any risk of catching COVID-19 with IPL just days away.

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The England media was furious over the development and slammed BCCI and Team India for their decision. They also questioned Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri's presence at the book launch event. Meanwhile, if reports are to be believed, then several England cricketers, who are set to take part in the second leg of IPL, are mulling over pulling out of the IPL to express their dissatisfaction over the development. Five players- Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Moeen Ali, Dawid Malan and Chris Woakes are part of the IPL.

The cancelled Test is likely to cost ECB millions of pounds and many believe that BCCI could have pushed the match by a day or two. However, there are some other reports which state that Virat Kohli offered to delay the match by two days but it was ECB that didn’t accept the proposal. Well, nothing can be said with 100% assurance until an official confirmation is made by either of the board.

Meanwhile, both boards are keenly trying to find a window to reschedule the match. As per reports, the fifth Test can be played when India tour England in July next year for six white-ball matches.