Due to bubble fatigue, England opener Alex Hales has withdrawn from the IPL 2022 season. After being purchased for INR 1.20 crores in the super auction, he became a member of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad.
Hales was a member of the Big Bash League (BBL), when he contracted covid-19. He’s been in severe bio-bubbles since then, and he was scared he wouldn’t be able to survive another lengthy stint inside an isolated camp.
“It is with great sadness that I must inform you that I have taken the tough choice to resign from the next IPL.” “I don’t feel like I can commit myself to another lengthy term in a secure environment after spending the previous four months away from home in confined bio-bubbles and testing positions for Covid,” Hales stated in a message on his Twitter account.
“I’d want to express my gratitude to KKR for believing in me throughout the auction.” Alex Hales
Despite the fact that he would lose out on a chance to participate in the world’s most prestigious T20 competition, Hales’ choice was praised by the cricketing community. He also expressed gratitude to his franchise, the Kolkata Knight Riders, for their support through these trying times.
“It wouldn’t be fair to the team or to myself if I couldn’t perform at the required level due to chronic bubble fatigue.” I’m devastated to have to pass on one of my greatest employment possibilities. In preparation for the summer, I’ll now take some time to relax and refresh. “I want to thank KKR for believing in me during the auction and for their continued support in recent weeks,” Hales stated in a tweet.
In the KKR setup, Hales has been replaced by Aaron Finch, who will join the team for INR 1.50 crores. Jason Roy, Hales’ English colleague, has also pulled out of the IPL 2022 season owing to bubble fatigue.
He’s taken an extended leave from cricket to work on his mental health, similar to what Ben Stokes did before returning to the England squad for the Ashes last year.