Warner, Slater deny reports of altercation in Maldives

The cricket fraternity was left stunned when a prominent newspaper, Daily Telegraph reported that David Warner and fellow Australian Michael Slater, who was commentating in the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League, were involved in an altercation in a Maldives' bar. However, the claims are found to be false as both Australians have denied any such brawl.

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Michael Slater reportedly sent a text message to a senior journalist Phil Rothfield denying any such fight with Warner.

"There is absolutely nothing to the rumour mill Buzz. Davie and I are great mates and absolutely zero chance of (having) a fight," foxsports.com.au quoted Slater as saying in a text message.

SRH skipper and Australian batsman Warner too denied the rumour saying: "There has been no drama."

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"I don't know where you get these things from. Unless you were here and have got concrete evidence you can't write anything. Nothing happened," Warner added.

The IPL bound Australian players are currently in Maldives as Australia has imposed strict travel restrictions for passengers from India. They will head back to Australia post May 15 when the travel restrictions are expected to ease.

Earlier this week, Slater lashed out at Australian PM Scott Morrison for the travel ban. Morrison also said that the players will not get any special privileges to which Slater accused the PM of having ‘blood on his hand’ and called the decision of travel ban a disgrace.

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The 14th edition of the IPL was suspended after multiple cases of COVID-19 inside the bubble. The BCCI is now looking at the September window to complete the tournament. Multiple countries such as England and Sri Lanka have offered to host the remaining matches of the T20 extravaganza.