1 May deadline for IPL-contracted BLACKCAPS

New Zealand Cricket has set a 1 May deadline England arrival date for its Indian Premier League (IPL) contracted players – a fortnight before the first England Test, NZC CEO Justin Vaughan announced today.

“I have met with individual players, the coach, the BLACKCAPS team as a whole and the New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA) to discuss the arrival options for the IPL players and have reached a decision which I believe is fair and is also consistent with the best cricketing outcome,” he said.

“When the itinerary for the England tour was put in place, it was not envisaged that a number of our players would be playing quality cricket in India. For players that are playing a high standard of international cricket, two weeks is a good level of preparation.

“The 1 May deadline date will give the players time to acclimatise to playing in English conditions as they will be available for two First Class matches, prior to the Test series beginning. The England and Wales Cricket Board has also been consulted and is happy with the decision.

“The IPL has the ability to retain players in the international game and has our full support. The global cricket landscape is changing rapidly and we must be flexible enough to change with it, while protecting the integrity of the international game.

“I am very happy with the attitude shown by the affected players. They have shown loyalty and commitment to the BLACKCAPS and were willing to abide by whatever decision NZC reached.”

Heath Mills, Executive Manager of NZCPA commented: “This is a good pragmatic decision by New Zealand Cricket in a changing cricketing landscape.

“It is important that the BLACKCAPS have good preparation opportunities prior to international series and the ability to participate in two First Class matches prior to the first Test certainly provides this opportunity to these players. The decision has our full support.”