Aaron Finch, Joshua Philippe, and Kane Richardson in Australia squad for England tour

England have confirmed Australia’s visit to the country for a three-match T20I series, followed by as many ODIs in September. The series will see Australia’s return to the international fold post the COVID-19 hiatus. The series, however, casts a shadow on the participation of the players from the two countries in the initial few IPL games with the BCCI holding a strict position that does not allow relaxations in quarantine norms for players flying into UAE.

As per the SOPs issued by the BCCI to all the franchises, every squad member will have to undergo a seven-day quarantine in the team hotel. Every player shall be tested thrice during their respective quarantine weeks.  However, it is understood that several franchises have requested the BCCI to relax quarantine norms for players traveling in from another bio-secure bubble directly for the IPL in UAE via a chartered flight.

The current rules in the UAE, as issued by the local authorities, require anyone traveling to the country to have tested negative within 96 hours of flying into the country. They will be required to test again upon arrival at the airport in the UAE. The franchises have cited these norms while arguing that players arriving directly from Australia’s tour of England should not be subjected to a week-long quarantine.

However, despite the pleas by the franchises, BCCI is not likely to make any leniencies on the quarantine protocols. If the SOPs are upheld, it will mean that Australian and England players, who are a part of their respective squads for the ODI series, will likely miss the first few games for their franchises depending on their schedules.

As announced by Cricket Australia, RCB player Aaron Finch will captain the Australian team in England, while exciting new talent Josh Phillippe, and fast bowler Kane Richardson also find a place in the 21-man squad. England all-rounder Moeen Ali is also likely to be a part of the series, although England are yet to name their squad for the series. RCB might find themselves short of four overseas players from their squad for their first couple of matches if the BCCI refuses to budge on the quarantine situation in the IPL, with Australia scheduled to play their last fixture of the tour on the 16th of September.

[ESPNCricinfo inputs]