Former Australia player and current commentator, Michael Slater posted a tweet on Wednesday, praying for the well-being of all Indians who have been affected by the deadly COVID-19 surge. Slater, who was quite vocal in slamming Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison for denying entry to all the stranded Australian players, commentators and support staff involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Morrison had put a ban on the travellers from India from entering the country until May 15. Referring to the hospitality experienced in India, Slater tweeted, "Above all my love and prayers to every Indian. You have been nothing but amazing to me every time I've been there. Please stay safe."
In his earlier tweets, Slater had criticised his government for treating the IPL players from Australia poorly and said, "If our government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home. It's a disgrace!! Blood on your hands PM.
"How dare you treat us like this. How about you sort out quarantine system. I had government permission to work on the IPL, but I now have government neglect," Slater added.
On May 4, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as well as the IPL governing council took the decision to suspend IPL 2021 due to an incredible surge in coronavirus cases.
Two players from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), one each from SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Delhi Capitals (DC) were tested positive for Covid along with several team support staff and ground staff members.