New Zealand Cricket to issue NOCs to IPL-bound players

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has mentioned that it would be giving No Objection Certificates (NOC) to all the six players, who are set to take part in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League. Though nothing official has come to the fore, reports suggest that the event could start in the last week of September. Lately, it was learned that the IPL could take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The six Black Caps’ players are Kings XI Punjab’s James Neesham, Kolkata Knight Riders’ Lockie Ferguson, Mumbai Indians’ Trent Boult and Mitchell McClenaghan, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Kane Williamson and Chennai Super Kings’ Mitchell Santner. The Kiwis board also said that the players will themselves have to take care of the “due diligence” on health safety protocols.

NZC refuses to speak on IPL taking place in the UAE

“Regarding the IPL, NZC will be issuing NOCs to the relevant players and it’s up to them to decide,” Richard Boock, a NZC spokesperson, was quoted as saying in NDTV Sports.

“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,” he stated.

About the cash-rich league taking place in the UAE, Boock mentioned, “NZC doesn’t have an opinion on the IPL being staged in the UAE. It’s not within our remit.” Back in 2014, the first half of the IPL took place in the UAE after which the tournament returned to India. Recently, Williamson also wanted to know about the safety protocols that would be in place.

Apart from the players, there are other members from New Zealand, who would be a part of the IPL, as well. Stephen Fleming, Shane Bond and Mike Hesson are part of the support staff even as Danny Morrison and Simon Doull are in the commentary panel.

In the meantime, Boock also confirmed that New Zealand A’s tour of India has been cancelled. “My information is that the A tour of India will not be happening. It was decision taken by mutual agreement between both the boards,” he added.