The Australians flew off to Maldives, the South Africans headed home as the suspended IPL’s foreign cricketers bid adieu to India, hoping that the country recovers from the mayhem unleashed by a second wave of Covid-19 cases.

The 40-strong Australian contingent, except for a Covid-positive Mike Hussey, left for Maldives on Thursday to serve out the waiting period before they can board a flight to Australia once the travel restrictions end on May 15.

“We can confirm that Australian players, coaches, match officials and commentators have been safely transported from India and are en route to the Maldives,” Cricket Australia stated in a release.

“The Australians will remain in Maldives until the conclusion of the travel pause pertaining to flights from India to Australia,” it added.

Of the 40 Australians involved in the league after three early pullouts, 14 were players, including mega-stars such as David Warner, Pat Cummins, and Steve Smith among others.

The 11 South Africans in the league boarded flights for Johannesburg as their country has not imposed any restrictions on travel from India, which recorded more than 4 lakh Covid-19 cases on Thursday and close to 4,000 deaths.

“My constant prayers is with the people from India to get through this. Pls Take care of yourselves,” Proteas star Faf du Plessis, who turned up Chennai Super Kings, posted on Instagram.

Cricket Australia thanked the BCCI for its assistance in ensuring that players were able to leave India within two days of the league’s suspension owing to Covid-19 cases inside its bio-bubble.

“CA and the ACA extend their sincere thanks to the BCCI for their responsiveness in moving the Australians from India to the Maldives...,” the statement read.

Jayawardene to complete quarantine in Maldives

Mumbai Indians on Thursday said that their local stars have reached home while it has also ensured a safe passage for its Australian contingent to Maldives along with Sri Lankan head coach Mahela Jaywardene, who also will be quarantining there.

The five-time champions posted a series of tweets and shared the travel plans of its players and support staff.

“Indian players have embarked on their journey back to their hometowns. All Covid-19 related travel and safety protocols have been diligently adhered.

“Mumbai and Ahmedabad based players and support staff members will return home via Ahmedabad on a charter flight. The cabin crew has completed seven days quarantine at the team hotel in Delhi,” the franchise stated.

“Australian players and support staff members will fly to Maldives on a special charter. MI has made arrangements for their 14-day quarantine stay in Maldives before flying them back to Australia,” it said.

The franchise has two Australian players — hard-hitting batsman Chris Lynn and pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile.

“Head coach Mahela Jayawardene will also complete his quarantine in Maldives before returning to Sri Lanka,” it added.

The players and support staff from New Zealand, South Africa and the Caribbean will fly to Auckland, Johannesburg and Trinidad on their respective charter flights arranged by the franchise.

Among its foreigners, while swashbuckling all-rounder Kieron Pollard is from the West Indies, opener Quinton De Kock hails from South Africa.

Pacer Trent Boult and bowling coach Shane Bond are from New Zealand.