IPL 2021: While national duty in cricket takes priority, a few players are expected to opt out of their national teams in favour of IPL 2021. Among the few, Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan has officially asked for a no-objection certificate from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) but others may follow soon.
Bought in the 2021 auction by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Shakib is expected to get a NOC BCB ahead of the IPL that is scheduled to be played between April and June. During this time, Bangladesh will host Sri Lanka for a Test in April.
However, he will not be the only player. New Zealand Cricket has also decided to allow their players to feature in the IPL despite the fact that Kiwis will travel to England to play a two-match Test series from June 2. While England players’ availability hasn’t yet been confirmed, NZC told ANI that those who are in IPL will receive their NOCs. Considering that, InsideSport has taken a close look at five players who could opt out of the national team matches and play in the IPL.
Shakib Al Hasan (KKR, Bangladesh): Back to Bangladesh national team setup after a year of suspension by the ICC, the former World No 1 all-rounder has decided to prioritise IPL duties after being picked up by KKR for Rs 3.2 crore at the IPL 2021 auction. Shakib was expected to be called up for the Test series against Sri Lanka in April. But after his request, an annoyed BCB has decided to allow him to opt out.
Kyle Jamieson (RCB, NZ): One of the most expensive players in the IPL, Kyle Jamieson was picked up by RCB for a whopping Rs 15 crore. But if RCB qualify for the playoffs, the Kiwi fast bowler was supposed to miss the last few games of the IPL. However, since NZ have decided to allow cricketers to play in the IPL, he could opt out of the England Test series justify his price tag.
Trent Boult (MI, NZ): In NZ’s three-man pace attack, Trent Boult is a crucial cog. Retained by Mumbai Indians, Boult was the most successful bowler for the team in IPL 2020. However, with the England series not part of the World Test Championship, Boult could opt out of the England tour in favour of IPL and join the team for WTC directly.
Tom Curran (RR, England): Brother Sam Curran, Tom has been out of Test side since 2018. However, England’s rotation policy may allow him to return to the setup for the two-match Test series against New Zealand in June that will not be part of the World Test Championship. But Tom may opt out considering he has been flourishing in white-ball cricket. Plus, ahead of the ICC World T20 in October, he would like to be part of IPL and polish his skills to be in the fray for WC selection.
Chris Morris (RR, South Africa): Although South Africa haven’t confirmed players’ availability in the IPL, the Proteas will face Pakistan for a T20 series at home and Chris Morris is expected to be a part of it. The series (April 2-7) might coincide with IPL and if that happens, Morris might pull out of the national duty in favour of IPL to stick to Rajasthan Royals who have bought him for Rs 16.25 crore.