New Zealand cricket has confirmed that they will grant No Objection certificate to their six players who are slated to take part in the Indian Premier League 2020. However, the board has said that the due diligence on the health safety measures will have to done by the players themselves. The six New Zealand players who are set to play in the IPL are Jimmy Neesham (Kings XI Punjab), Lockie Ferguson (Kolkata Knight Riders), Mitchell McClenaghan, Trent Boult (Mumbai Indians), Kane Williamson (Sunrisers Hyderabad) and Mitchell Santner (Chennai Super Kings).
Meanwhile, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson recently said that he is looking forward to playing in the IPL but he would need more details as only the venue of the tournament has been finalized. On the other hand, Trent Boult had stated that he is not sure about his participation and he will speak to the right people before making his decision.
IPL 2020 is set to be played in the UAE
“Regarding the IPL, NZC will be issuing NOCs to the relevant players and it’s up to them to decide,” NZC spokesperson Richard Boock told PTI via email.
Broock added that NZC will assist the players in the best possible manner but they would need to shoulder the responsibility for due diligence.
“Well, yes, the issuing of NOCs is considered on a case-by-case basis and it’s rare that they are ever refused. However, the due diligence is something for the respective players to shoulder – although we are happy to pass on as much info as we can to assist in these matters,” Boock added.
Meanwhile, the IPL is set to be played in the UAE from September 26 to November 8. The BCCI has already applied to take permission from the Indian government to stage the IPL in the UAE. Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi will be three main venues for the tournament.
On the other hand, not only the aforementioned six Kiwi players will take part in the IPL but also there will be coaches like Stephen Fleming (head coach CSK), Shane Bond (bowling coach MI), and Mike Hesson (RCB head coach). Danny Morrison and Simon Doull are expected to be in the commentary panel.