Australian cricketers cleared to play IPL after CA postpones Afghanistan series

Cricket Australia and Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) have mutually decided to shelf the upcoming ODI series. The two teams were set to cross swords in three ODIs in India before the T20 World Cup. The boards released a joint statement and said the series has been postponed due to the logistical issues and quarantine protocols.

“The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and Cricket Australia agreed to postpone the tour given the complexities of travel, quarantine periods and finding a suitable location for the matches given the relocation of the Twenty20 World Cup to the United Arab Emirates and Oman,” the boards said in a statement.

“With the World Cup relocated from India to the United Arab Emirates and Oman, the ACB will continue to explore the possibility of hosting a proposed T20 tri-series involving Australia and the West Indies.”

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia (CA) has also given a green signal for the players to go and play in the IPL. The board said they will grant the NOC to the players who are willing to participate in the lucrative league. Most of the Australian players have not played cricket since May thus IPL participation will serve as an apt preparation for the T20 World Cup.

“No Objection Certificates will be granted to Australian players wishing to take part in the remaining upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) matches to be played in the UAE,” Cricket Australia said.

While Pat Cummins won’t be returning for the second leg, Smith, Maxwell, Curran among others have confirmed their availability.