UK-bound New Zealand players to stay in India till May 10, says Heath Mills

Remaining players, supports staff and commentators will return home by charter flights.

After the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) got recently suspended, all the foreign players were on their way home. But now it is being learnt that the New Zealand players will be staying in India till May 10 before flying to England.

Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases across the country, the UK government has only allowed British nationals to travel from India, thus New Zealand Cricket Players' Association head Heath Mills feels it will be safer for players to wait another few days in India.

“Due to the UK border restrictions, that group cannot get into England until May 11. It is obviously challenging for them to wait for another few days (in India),” Mills told ESPNcricinfo.

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There were 17 New Zealanders involved in IPL, including 10 players, those returning home from India are Stephen Fleming, Brendon McCullum, Kyle Mills, Shane Bond, Mike Hesson, Tim Seifert, Adam Milne, Scott Kuggeleijn and James Pamment.

Whereas the UK-bound group includes, Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Santner, Chris Donaldson (trainer), Tommy Simsek (physio), Lockie Ferguson, Jimmy Neesham, and Finn Allen.

The last three will feature in the T20 Blast in the UK starting June 9. Williamson will also be a part of The Hundred, to be played from July 21.

New Zealand is scheduled to play a two-match Test series against England beginning from June 2 followed by the World Test Championship final where the Kiwis take on team India at Southampton from June 18.

(With PTI inputs)