Steve Smith doubtful for second phase of IPL 2021

The Indian Premier League governing council and the Board of Control for Cricket in India had earlier revealed that the remainder of the Indian Premier League 2021 edition would be held in September in the United Arab Emirates.

The Indian Premier League 2021 began among a lot of uncertainties due to the COVID-19. And as many expected, the global pandemic struck the IPL very hard as midway through the competition, and several COVID cases were reported inside the Indian Premier League bio-bubble.

And with now the World's biggest T20 cricket tournament/league postponed to a later date this year, there are questions over many players' availability for the remainder of the tournament.

And one latest name that could be on the list is former Australia national team captain Steve Smith. We earlier reported that Steve Smith is doubtful to participate in the coming T20 World Cup as he is giving Test cricket much more priority, especially with the Ashes set to begin in December.

If he does opt out of the IPL competition as well, Steve Smith plays for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League; then it could be a significant blow to the team.

Steve Smith in IPL 2021 So Far

Steve Smith didn't have the best of the first half of the Indian Premier League 2021. Steve Smith scored 104 runs in the five opportunities he got for the franchise in the first half of the campaign.

Steve Smith was picked up the Delhi Capitals franchise to bolster batting power. Smith spent a long five years with the Rajasthan Royals franchise, where he succeeded a lot.

IPL 2021 Shifted to UAE

The Indian Premier League 2021 began on 9th April 2021 with a blockbuster match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings. But due to many COVID-19 case reports inside the IPL bio-bubble, the competition was suspended for some time. Later the IPL Governing Council and BCCI informed that the remainder of IPL 2021 would be played in the United Arab Emirates from September.