New Zealand Cricket to issue NOCs to all its IPL-bound players

New Zealand Cricket [NZC] spokesperson, Richard Boock, on Thursday, confirmed that the board will be handing out No Objection Certificates [NOCs] to all its players who will be participating in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. 

"Regarding the IPL, NZC will be issuing NOCs to the relevant players and it's up to them to decide," New Zealand Cricket spokesperson Richard Boock was quoted as saying to PTI via email.

In view of the postponement of the T20 World Cup, the IPL chairman, Brijesh Patel, declared that the IPL will be held in the UAE. The lucrative tournament is expected to take place in the September-November window. The BCCI, however, is waiting for a go-ahead signal from the government. 

Richard also said that the New Zealand players should be individually committed to complying with the safety protocols deployed by the BCCI.

"Well, yes, the issuing of NOCs is considered on a case-by-case basis and it's rare that they are ever refused. However, the due diligence is something for the respective players to shoulder - although we are happy to pass on as much info as we can to assist in these matters, " said Richard. 

Earlier this month, the top Kiwi players resumed their outdoor training sessions at the High-Performance Centre in Lincoln.

When asked about the NZC's perspective on the IPL issue, Richard declined to express his opinion, as the league is not within its own domain.

"NZC doesn't have an opinion on the IPL being staged in the UAE. It's not within our remit, " he further added. 

IPL-bound Kiwi players: 

Kane Williamson, Jimmy Neesham, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell McClenaghan, Trent Boult, and Mitchell Santner. 

[PTI inputs]