IPL 2020: NZC will issue NOC; onus on players to carry out due diligence

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) will issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to each of the six New Zealand players contracted with IPL franchises, but said that "due diligence" on health safety protocols will have to be done by the players themselves.

The players contracted with the IPL this year are Kane Williamson (SRH), Lockie Ferguson (KKR), James Neesham (KXIP), Mitchell Santner (CSK) and the duo of Trent Boult and Mitchell McClenaghan (both MI).

"Regarding the IPL, NZC will be issuing NOCs to the relevant players and it''s up to them to decide," NZC spokesperson Richard Boock told Press Trust of India via email.

The IPL is likely to be held in the UAE between September 26 and November 7, a window thrown open by the ICC''s decision to postpone the October-November men's T20 World Cup in Australia due to the covid-19 pandemic.

While the NZC will be updating its players about health safety protocols and the latest covid-19 related developments, the onus will be on the six individuals to do their own due diligence.

"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," Boock added.

Recently, New Zealand captain Williamson spoke about wanting to know more about the safety protocols that will be in force.

Boock said NZC "doesn't have an opinion on the IPL being staged in the UAE" because it was not within the board's remit.

New Zealanders have a considerable presence in the IPL apart from those playing too, with several former cricketers part of the support staff of teams or involved in commentary. Stephen Fleming is CSK's head coach, Shane Bond is MI's bowling coach while Mike Hesson is RCB's director of cricket operations. Both Danny Morrison and Simon Doull have been regulars on the commentary panel.

Meanwhile, Boock also confirmed that the New Zealand A team's tour of India which was scheduled in August, has been cancelled. "My information is that the A tour of India will not be happening. It was decision taken by mutual agreement between both the boards."