IPL 2020 News: NZC open to grant NOCs to IPL-bound players

NZC open to grant NOCs: The Kiwis’ cricket board has no objection with respect to players travelling to UAE for IPL 2020.

With IPL Chairman Brijesh Patel confirming that the 13th season of the Indian Premier League will be played in UAE, BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) is expected to seek permissions with respect to transporting all the players to the UAE.

The development puts forward numerous challenges for the cricket board for they will have to make sure that players from other countries also reach UAE safely amidst a global pandemic.

A bit of relief for the BCCI has come in the form of NZC (New Zealand Cricket) agreeing to grant its IPL-bound players NOCs to play the cash-rich league which is being anticipated to be played in the September-October window.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson (SunRisers Hyderabad), all-rounders James Neesham (Kings XI Punjab) and Mitchell Santner (Chennai Super Kings) and fast bowlers in Lockie Ferguson (Kolkata Knight Riders), Mitchell McClenaghan and Trent Boult (Mumbai Indians) are the six Kiwi players who will be taking part in IPL 2020.

NZC open to grant NOCs

While NZC revealed no objection regarding sending its players for the IPL, it expects the players to be responsible enough at an individual level. “Regarding the IPL, NZC will be issuing NOCs to the relevant players and it’s up to them to decide.

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“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,” NZC spokesperson Richard Boock told PTI via email.

Apart from the six players, IPL 2020 will also have New Zealand-bound members of the support staff and commentators who will also be needed with their respective teams in the UAE.