|| CF DESK ||

Bangladesh is set to play a away series against New Zealand in March but multiple cricketers including Kiwi captain Kane Williamson-Trent Boult might not play in the upcoming series. The schedule of the series conflicts with the quarantine schedule of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 14th edition of IPL will start in the second week of April. Although not yet confirmed, foreign cricketers going to play in the IPL may have to relocate to India in late March or mid-March due to corona tests and quarantine deadlines.

Meanwhile, the ODI series between Bangladesh and New Zealand will start on March 20. The remaining two matches of the series will be played on March 23 and 26. Followed by the T20 series will be played on March 28, 30 and April 1. New Zealand will not have cricketers like Williamson, Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Santner and Tim Seifert in the series against Bangladesh if they have to travel to India in mid or late March.

The New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC) has already said it will allow the country's cricketers to play in the 14th edition of the IPL. In that case, not only the Bangladesh tour, some of them can also miss the Test tour against England at Lord’s.

"NZC will take a pragmatic approach as these fixtures are a late addition to the schedule. We will work through the decision in conjunction with the players. We are still awaiting advice as to when the IPL will start and what the MIQ protocols will be - but will take a pragmatic approach in the event of any clash." NZC chief executive David White said.

A number of young New Zealand cricketers could get the opportunity to put their name in the squad. They are Finn Allen, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Todd Astle, Doug Bracewell, Jacob Duffy. Allen is also in the 13-man squad for the upcoming series against Australia.