xtratime Logo

XtraTime Web Desk: Kane Williamson and his teammates will have no problem from their board to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) this season. All the six New Zealand players will be issued No Objection Certificates (NOC) by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to represent their respective franchises in the cash rich league. The NZC also made it clear that the cricketers will have to follow the health safety protocols 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 and Trent Boult (Mumbai Indians), Kane Williamson (Sunrisers Hyderabad) and Mitchell Santner (Chennai Super Kings). In the support staff group, former New Zealand players who are in IPL franchises roster are Stephen Fleming (head coach CSK), Shane Bond (bowling coach MI), and Mike Hesson (RCB head coach) among others.

"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.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has zeroed in the tentative dates for IPL 2020 i.e., September 26 to November 08.While the NZC will be updating its players about the health safety protocols and latest COVID-19 related developments, the onus will be on the six individuals to do 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.

The Black Caps cricketers have recently started their outdoor training camps at the High Performance Centre in Lincoln and outdoor marquee of Bay Oval. The cricketers are divided in two groups for the training camp at Bay Oval due to a larger number.

With inputs from PTI