IPL 2021: First batch of New Zealand players reach home; second batch to reach later today

IPL 2021: First batch of New Zealand players reach home; second batch to reach later today

Trent Boult

The suspension of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) led to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) scrambling to ensure that all players reach home safely. The priority was the overseas players due to various travel restrictions around the world and concerns over quarantining. Despite the hurdles, the board has done a terrific job so far of arranging charter flights and the like to get players home or to a place of safety.

The IPL was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic breaching the teams’ bio-bubbles and leading to positive cases among personnel inside the bubble. The BCCI had no choice but to suspend the tournament indefinitely as more than 5 cases were reported.

The next challenge was then to get players back safely and there were concerns especially over the Australians as there was a travel ban in place for flights from India. Therefore, the Aussies were shifted to Maldives to stay there till the ban is lifted. Other overseas players from countries like South Africa, New Zealand and West Indies were sent home in batches through charter flights.

Kane Williamson-led Test contingent travels to Maldives

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson

The New Zealand players were divided into three batches for the purpose of sending them from India. The first batch of players including Trent Boult, Scott Kuggeleijn, Finn Allen, Adam Milne and Jimmy Neesham were sent home yesterday via a Bombardier Global Express private jet. It is noteworthy that Boult is a part of New Zealand’s Test contingent, but he decided to spend time with his family before joining them in the UK.

The second batch of players including Brendon McCullum, Kyle Mills, Lockie Ferguson, Chris Gaffaney, Simon Doull, Scott Styris and Stephen Fleming is expected to reach New Zealand later today. The Test contingent led by Kane Williamson and consisting of Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Santner and physio Tommy Simsek has travelled to the Maldives from where they will travel to the UK for the series against England and the WTC final.

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