IPL 2021: Trent Boult keen to participate if situations are favourable

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 will take place in UAE. However, dark clouds are looming over the participation of foreign players with the international calendar being jam-packed. While it’s confirmed that the centrally-contracted England players will miss the season, Australia’s Pat Cummins is also understood to have pulled out. However, Trent Boult is keen to play the remaining season.

The New Zealand pacer has been a vital cog of the Mumbai Indians squad since joining the franchise in 2020. Hence, the five-time champions would not want to lose his services in the remaining season. Even the left-arm fast bowler wants to feature in the UAE leg of the lucrative league. However, Boult also indicated that his participation depends upon the circumstances.

It was differently different to play half of the tournament: Trent Boult

“It’s (India) a beautiful place to go, I obviously have experienced India a lot, the fans and culture too but it was different this time, obviously very quiet, the usual hum around the streets, the fans were just not there,” Boult said in a virtual press conference.

“It was differently different to play half of the tournament. Looks like it is moving forward to the UAE, it was held very nicely last year there. If I’ll get a chance I’ll be looking forward to finish that campaign off myself,” he added.

Meanwhile, IPL 2021 was abruptly suspended on May 4 after multiple players and staff members contracted the widely-spreading COVID-19 virus. At the time of season suspension, MI were fourth in the team standings with four wins in seven games. Boult was also impressive in the tournament, taking eight wickets in seven games.

As of now, the star fast bowler is gearing for the two-match Test series against hosts England, starting on June 2. It’s an excellent opportunity for Kane Williamson’s men to adapt the local conditions prior to the ICC World Test Championship final against India, which gets underway on June 18. Boult has been in impressive form lately, and he would be determined to shatter the stumps of many England and Indian batsmen. Moreover, the UK conditions are tailor-made for his bowling style.