Kyle Jamieson narrates ‘interesting experience’ of leaving IPL 2021 midway

Jamieson played for RCB in the now-suspended IPL 2021.

Narrating the experience of leaving the IPL 2021 amid the second COVID-19 wave in India, New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson on Sunday (May 30) said it was “interesting” but he was confident that the “good people” around him would ensure a safe passage to England for his first UK tour.

Jamieson, who represented Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the cash-rich league, opted to fly to Maldives from Delhi alongside New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson before they eventually departed for England.

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“It was an interesting one. It is not something that you could plan for. We were sort of informed right through. We had some pretty good people around us, the BCCI and IPL teams,” said Jamieson in a media interaction.

The 14th edition of Indian Premier League was postponed indefinitely on May 4 after multiple COVID-19 cases were reported in the bio-bubble of various franchises.

“We just had to do the right thing by ourselves. Obviously the situation in India was pretty dire and we were mindful of that what is going outside our bubble. Once it (the virus) got inside it was the right decision to postpone it.

“We just had to keep trusting in those people and control we can control and we had some pretty good people around us to help us get to England.”

New Zealand will play two Tests against England and the World Test Championship final (WTC) against India during their UK tour.

Asked if it is hard not to have one eye on the WTC final before the two Tests against England, Jamieson said: “Not really at all. If you look too far ahead you can get caught in the bounce a little bit.

“It is my first trip to England. I am playing cricket for first time at Lord’s. If I get distracted by something in two three weeks time then I would end up not being in great shape.

“I am just trying to be as mindful as I can around this Test and enjoy. Who knows if it ever happens again for me. So just focusing on this Test and Edgbaston and then the final (against India). It is not going to go away or come any closer so I will take care of this one first.”

BCCI on Saturday (May 29) confirmed that the remaining 31 games of IPL 2021 will be held in UAE in the September-October window.

Asked if he would be available for the second leg of IPL, Jamieson said: “To be fair I have no idea really. That news came out couple of days ago, we have not had any conversation about it. Our mind is on the Test gainst England and the final against India. Don’t want to look too far ahead.” 

(With PTI inputs)