IPL 2021: New Zealand cricketers to stay back despite COVID-19 scares

NZC Players Association chief executive Heath Mills stated the New Zealand cricketers would be staying back in India as of now for the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) despite the hullaballoo surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in the Asian country. The likes of Kane Williamson, Lockie Ferguson and Trent Boult among others are taking part in the T20 league.

Mills reckons that the Black Caps’ cricketers aren’t in danger due to the specially-designed bio-security bubbles. However, he admitted the players being at mild risk while changing cities and iterated the importance of taking the necessary precautionary measures while commuting.

“There’s no doubt they’re certainly anxious about what is happening in India and what they’re witnessing. But they feel well looked after by their IPL franchises and very safe in their bubbles,” Mills was quoted as saying in stuff.co.nz.

“There are four teams in a hotel and the hotel is locked down. The challenge is when they transfer from city to city, then they need to put on the PPE gear and that’s when they’re probably most at risk. Whilst they’re anxious, they’re ok. No one has indicated yet that they want to go home,” Mills stated.

New Zealand Cricket in touch with the BCCI for logistical purposes

After the IPL concludes, the Kiwis are set to take part in the Test series against England. However, logistical issues are likely to come into the picture. For the same, NZC is constantly staying in touch with the BCCI and ICC.

“We’ve got players going to England for that test series; they can’t very well come home, do the two weeks isolation and then go to England. Then we’ve got other players who are coming home – logistically there’s not a lot of flights.

“It’s not easy to sort out the logistics. We’re working closely with NZ Cricket and they’re in touch with the BCCI and the ICC,” Mills added.

Earlier, it was learned that the Australian cricketers, support staff and commentators, are contemplating leaving the IPL because of the deteriorating situation in India. Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa and Andrew Tye have already reached Australia.

Cricket Australia said that it is abiding by the rules and regulations set by the Australian government. In the meantime, Pat Cummins has donated $50000 to the Prime Minister’s (PM) Relief Fund for oxygen supplies in India.