New Zealand announces travel ban from India; NZ players in IPL 2021 might face trouble

As many as ten New Zealand players including the likes of skipper Kane Williamson, pacers Trent Boult, and Kyle Jamieson, and many more have assembled in India to participate in the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League, which started from April 9 across six venues in India.

However, the Black Caps players can be subjected to some concerns as the New Zealand government will be imposing travel bans from India from Sunday, April 11 owing to the rapid increase in coronavirus cases in India. As of now, the travel ban has been announced only from April 11 to April 28.

However, if the duration of the restrictions increases, then the New Zealand players might have to board the flight directly to the UK after the conclusion of IPL. New Zealand is scheduled to participate in the two-match Test series against England followed by the final of the World Test Championship against India in June.

Speaking about the situation, Richard Boock, NZC’s public affairs manager reckoned that the Kiwi government is monitoring the situation and is prepared to discuss all contingencies if the situation warrants. Richard revealed that they have informed all the IPL franchises to keep the line of communication open. 

We’re prepared to discuss all contingencies if the situation warrants: Richard Boock

He also argued that the players, who will feature in the Test series against England, should travel straight to the UK from India. “We’re monitoring the situation and are in contact with the IPL franchises to keep the lines of communication open, because the tournament’s due to go for some time,” Richard Boock, NZC’s public affairs manager was quoted as saying by ‘New Zealand Herald’.

“We’re prepared to discuss all contingencies if the situation warrants. For argument’s sake, if it occurred with one of the test players, it might make more sense for them to continue on to England (for the test tour and world championship final),” Boock added.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also opined on the current situation saying, “Ultimately these decisions around travel into high-risk countries generally will come down to individuals, but also if it’s a workforce, their employers. So those are judgments they need to make.”