UK-bound NZ players to remain in India till May 11

New Zealand cricketers involved in the now-suspended IPL, including captain Kane Williamson, will remain in India at least till May 11 before flying to England for national duty, the New Zealand Cricket board announced on Thursday (May 6).

"Williamson, Kyle Jamieson and Mitchell Santner, as well as physio Tommy Simsek, will remain in a secure mini-bubble in New Delhi before departing for the UK, ahead of preparations for the Test series against England, and the ICC World Test Championship final against India," said NZC in a statement.

"However, left-arm paceman Trent Boult will return home briefly to see his family before reconnecting with the Test squad in early June, possibly in time to be picked for the second Test against England but certainly in time for the ICC WTC final."

"Along with the balance of the New Zealand-bound IPL players, support staff and commentators, Boult is scheduled to depart New Delhi tomorrow on one of two charter flights, arriving in Auckland on Saturday before undergoing managed isolation."

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said: "We’ve worked closely with the BCCI and the IPL franchises on the various departure strategies and we’re very appreciative of their support during what is, clearly, a very challenging time.

"We are also very grateful to the England and Wales Cricket Board for accommodating the early arrival of the four members of the Test squad currently in India."

Besides Williamson, the UK-bound group includes Jamieson, Santner, Simsek (physio), Lockie Ferguson, Jimmy Neesham and Finn Allen. The last three will feature in the T20 Blast in the UK starting June 9. Williamson will also be a part of The Hundred, to be played from July 21.

New Zealand play England in a two-match Test series, beginning on June 2, before they face India in the World Test Championships finals at Southampton from June 18.

Those returning home from India are Stephen Fleming, Brendon McCullum, Kyle Mills, Shane Bond, Mike Hesson, Tim Seifert, Adam Milne, Scott Kuggeleijn and James Pamment.

There were 17 New Zealanders in all involved in the IPL, including 10 players.