KKR's Tim Seifert heads back home after testing negative for Covid-19

Tim Seifert tested negative for Covid-19 and is on his way back to New Zealand. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead reckoned that it is an encouraging sign that the batsman tested negative for Covid-19.

Tim Seifert will now have to undergo another mandatory quarantine period on his arrival. Meanwhile, other NZ players have safely reached the United Kingdom for the two Tests against England. Before the Test series, the Black Caps will also feature in a four-day practice game against Somerset starting May 25. After the series against England, they will face India in the World Test Championship on June 18 in Southampton.

Kiwi players to miss the IPL 2021 if it takes place in September

Recently, the New Zealand cricket board had announced that Kiwi players might miss the IPL 2021 phase-2 if it takes place in September. During that time, New Zealand is scheduled to play against Pakistan. The ECB had also claimed that none of the English players would be a part of the IPL because of the tight schedule. Ashley Giles, director of ECB, has mentioned that IPL contracted England players will not be a part of the remaining tournament wherever it takes place. The English board has put its foot down because of the upcoming series against Pakistan and Bangladesh in October and November.

Planning the remaining matches of the IPL is going to be one of the biggest concerns for the Indian cricket board. The BCCI will need a clear window to organize the remaining 31 fixtures. The Indian players will be available whenever the tournament is staged again. However, the availability of foreign cricketers will be doubtful due to their respective national commitments. The April-May window is the only time of the year when most cricket boards do not conduct any fixtures. During this time, they allow their players to take part in the IPL.

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