The first batch of New Zealand players including five players and support staff part of the Indian Premier League reached New Zealand by a private jet on Saturday.
Mumbai Indians players Trent Boult and Jimmy Neesham, Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman Finn Allen, and bowlers Adam Milne and Scott Kuggeleijn have reached Auckland. RCB director of cricket operations, Mike Hesson along with Shane Bond and James Pamment were amongst the 1st part of the group who arrived.
Even Kiwis Batsman Tim Seifert was supposed to be part of this 1st batch of players but unfortunately, he tested positive for Covid-19. He was part of the KKR camp. Seifert failed both the pre-departure RT-PCR tests and has been taken into quarantine and has been experiencing moderate symptoms.
New Zealand Cricket Chief David White said – “It’s really unfortunate for Tim and we’ll do everything for him that we can from this end, and hopefully he will be able to test negative and be cleared”.
And the 2nd batch of players are expected to arrive on Sunday. This batch will comprise Lockie Ferguson, Brendon McCullum, commentators Simon Doull and Scott Styris, umpire Chris Gaffaney, former captain Stephen Fleming and Kyle Mills.
According to few sources, the arrival of the 2nd batch might be delayed due to few logistic reasons. An official confirmation from New Zealand Cricket Board is awaited on this front.
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson along with Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, and physio Tommy Simsek have moved to the Maldives.
The initial plan was for the players part of the England series and WTC Finals to stay at New Delhi for a short quarantine period. Post the isolation they were to be moved to the UK around 11th May.
But after players were moved to the Maldives their arrival in the UK is expected to be delayed by a week.
New Zealand will play a two-match test series England on 2nd June 2021 before facing Team India in WTC Finals at Southampton from June 18.
