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New Zealand’s IPL-based test players to leave for England on May 11, says NZC
Four members of New Zealand's Test contingent involved in the now-suspended IPL, including captain Kane Williamson, will leave India for the United Kingdom on May 11 while the rest will make their way back home on Friday, the country's cricket board has announced. New Zealand is scheduled to play hosts England in a two-match Test series, beginning on June 2, before facing India in the World Test Championships final at Southampton from June 18. "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," New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive David White said in a statement on Thursday.
Skipper Williamson, pacer Kyle Jamieson, and spinner Mitchell Santner, as well as physio Tommy Simsek, will remain in a mini-bubble in New Delhi before departing for the UK, ahead of preparations for the Test series against England, and the WTC final against India.
There were 17 New Zealanders involved in the IPL, including 10 players.
"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."
NZC said May 11 is the earliest date it could obtain for the team's arrival in the UK.
However, pace spearhead Trent Boult will return home briefly to see his family before joining the Test squad in early June, for the second match against England and the WTC final.
