Cricket Australia to grant NOCs to its IPL-bound players on a 'case by case' basis

A day after postponing the team's proposed tour to South Africa due to the fresh outbreak of COVID-19 virus, Cricket Australia confirmed that they will grant No Objection Certificates [NOC] to its IPL-bound players based on 'case by case' basis. 

Speaking to Sydney Morning Herald, CA interim CEO Nick Hockley said that the Australian cricketing body was totally convinced by the biosecurity protocols laid out by the BCCI during the recent IPL. As a result, the CA officials have no second thoughts about sending the Australian continent to participate in the most-followed T20 tournament. 

"We have, obviously, got precedent on that from the IPL last year. We have got, obviously, the IPL, if you like, (has) proven its biosecurity protocols. "As and when applications are made, we will consider each of those case-by-case, on their merits," - Nick Hockley told Sydney Morning Herald.

A total of 19 players participated in the 13th edition of the IPL, which was shifted to the United Arab Emirates [UAE] due to the pandemic. Several Aussie players will be going under the hammer in the 2021 IPL auction. The much-awaited event is scheduled to take place on February 18 in Chennai. 

According to a few reports, the BCCI is eager to start the tournament in the second week of April. Unlike previous seasons, the fixtures will be constrained to only a few venues.