IPL 2021: New Zealand cricketers to stay back in India despite COVID-19 surge

Kane Williamson

NZ Players Association chief executive Heath Mills stated that Kiwi cricketers who are part of the ongoing season of IPL 2021 will be staying back in India despite COVID-19 surge in the country.

Mills reckoned that players and support staff who are staying in bio secure bubble is extremely safe and there is no need to worry as the franchise, support staff are following strict health protocols designed by BCCI.

However, he admitted the players being at mild risk while changing cities and iterated the importance of taking the necessary precautionary measures while commuting.

“There’s no doubt they’re certainly anxious about what is happening in India and what they are witnessing. But they feel well looked after by their IPL franchises and very safe in their bubbles” Mills was quoted as saying in stuff.co.nz.

kane williamson

“There are four teams in a hotel and the hotel is locked down. The challenge is when they transfer from city to city, then they need to put on the PPE gear and that’s when they’re probably most at risk. Whilst they’re anxious, they’re ok. No one has indicated yet that they want to go home,” Mills stated.

After the IPL concludes,Kiwis will be locking horns against England in UK but for that logistical issues are likely to come into the picture. For the same, NZC is constantly staying in touch with the BCCI and ICC.

“We’ve got players going to England for that test series; they can’t very well come home, do the two weeks isolation and then go to England. Then we’ve got other players who are coming home – logistically there’s not a lot of flights.

“It’s not easy to sort out the logistics. We’re working closely with NZ Cricket and they’re in touch with the BCCI and the ICC,” Mills added.