New Zealand Cricket keeping a tab on Coronavirus and updating all including IPL-bound players

The coronavirus, a deadly disease has ended the lives of 3,100 people and infected more than 90,000 people globally so far while also sabotaged the international calendar of several sporting events all across the world. The dangerous disease has even put the forthcoming Tokyo Olympics 2020 under huge doubt.

Though there are a few cases of coronavirus infection have been reported in India, the IPL Governing Council chairman Brijesh Patel had ruled out any possible threat to the thirteenth edition of the T20 league. Needless to say, the senior authorities and officials highlighted that they are keeping a tab on the situation.

Even the Board of Control for Cricket in India President Sourav Ganguly has also ruled out any possible threat to the cash-rich IPL or the three-match ODI series between India and South Africa with the first ODI slated to be played on March 12, Thursday at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala.

New Zealand Cricket provides frequent updates on Coronavirus

Disturbed by the fast-spreading virus infection, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is taking complete care of its contracted players, including the six players who will play in the Indian Premier League (IPL), about preventive measures to tackle the deadly virus.

As many as 29 positive cases have been reported so far in India including 16 Italian tourists. “All New Zealand players, men and women, are being updated on latest developments, including best practice and preventive measures, as new information comes to hand,” New Zealand Cricket Head of Public Affairs Richard Boock added in a statement as quoted by Business Standard.

The six Kiwi players, who will play in the IPL are Jimmy Neesham (Kings XI Punjab), Lockie Ferguson (Kolkata Knight Riders), Mitchell McClenaghan and Trent Boult (both Mumbai Indians), Kane Williamson (Sunrisers Hyderabad) and Mitchell Santner (Chennai Super Kings).

Richard Boock confirmed that NZC is in regular touch with the nation’s health, foreign affairs and sports ministry to get frequent updates which will make sure that there is health safety for its players.

“NZC is in constant communication with its chief medical officer, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Ministry of Health, and Sport NZ, and is monitoring updates from the World Health Organisation to ensure compliance with best practice,” Boock added.

BCCI is yet to come out with any travel advisory for foreign including national players. India’s cricket body has already confirmed that they are going ahead with the IPL as scheduled from March 29. The showpiece event will go all guns blazing with a massive clash between four-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians and three-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on March 29, Sunday while the final will take place on 24 May, Sunday.