The New Zealand cricketers currently in India preparing for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 are now under increased scrutiny after the travel ban on all flights between the two countries. The decision was taken by the New Zealand administration of Jacinda Ardern, who drew worldwide acclaim for her response to the global pandemic and her ability to keep the numbers affected by the virus to a minimum. As a consequence, New Zealand citizens were able to enjoy a quality of life of freedom unimaginable in much of the rest of the world in the past year.
Determined to keep things that way, Ardern has imposed the new ban in response to the surge of new cases in India. There is going to be no discount for the IPL players. She has made it clear that the primary responsibility for travel to high-risk countries lies with the individuals themselves, although part of the burden was also shared by their employer, New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
The nine New Zealand cricketers are national team captain Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, Jimmy Neesham. Tim Seifert, Adam Milne and Finn Allen.
With the tournament set to continue for the seven weeks, these eight are likely to remain in India for the duration, but what happens afterwards is open to question. Williamson and Boult, at least, are likely to be key members of the New Zealand team that will take on India in the inaugural World Test Championship at Southampton in June. Before that, they will be playing two tests in England as well.
It may mean that, at least some of them, may not see home again for some months. Even when they do, it may be via a circuitous route, with an obligation to quarantine for a period of time when they land.
Unfortunately, that is the sad reality of life in 2021. And whilst a stint playing for an IPL franchise can be very lucrative, it should be appreciated that there are also sacrifices that have to be made by all those involved.