The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a white ball series against New Zealand on Thursday (August 5), which conflicts with the dates of the second leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL), raising concerns about New Zealand players’ availability for the IPL.
However, IPL recruits from New Zealand, including skipper Kane Williamson, are expected to be released for the IPL by New Zealand Cricket (NZC). “That’s the storey we’ve been told. The IPL players will be released by the NZC “According to a franchise representative. Apart from Williamson, eight New Zealanders are in various teams: Tim Seifert (KKR), Lockie Ferguson (KKR), James Neesham (MI), Trent Boult (MI), Adam Milne (MI), Kyle Jamieson (RCB), and Mitchell Santner (CSK). The IPL franchises are sure that they will be made available.
The New Zealand squad for Pakistan, which will be released soon, is expected to be devoid of these individuals, and will most likely be captained by Tim Southee or a combination of the two.
From September 11 to October 3, New Zealand will play three ODIs and five T20Is in Pakistan, with the IPL set to run from September 19 to October 15.
The New Zealanders are also scheduled to tour Bangladesh for five Twenty20 matches, with the same side expected to be present in Dhaka.
Even as clarity has arisen on the participation of players from other countries, including England, which was initially hesitant to allow its players to participate in the IPL, the availability of the Australians remains unclear. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the franchisees that information on the Australians will be available by August 10.
CA is looking into hosting a tri-series in October involving Afghanistan and the West Indies, which was previously scheduled to be hosted by Afghanistan in India. The Cricket West Indies and the Afghanistan Cricket Board, on the other hand, have not said if they will participate in such a tournament if it is organised by the CA. CWI has announced that all of its players will be available for the IPL.
Chennai Super Kings, meanwhile, has confirmed that they would go to Dubai on August 13 to prepare for the IPL. The Chennai team will be the first to arrive in the United Arab Emirates. “We intend to leave on August 13th. All domestic players, including captain MS Dhoni, will depart for Dubai on that day “CSK’s CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, stated.