Kiwi players likely to take part in IPL as positive security details boost confidence

Wellington, Mar. 3 (ANI): New Zealand's cricketers are likely to take part in the third edition of the Indian Premier League after getting a positive security details report.

According to the New Zealand Herald, however, it is not a done deal, as the tournament starts on March 12. Players have the final say, but will take advice from their unions, it added.

"This is a significant step forward," former Australian spinner Tim May, now head of the players international body FICA, said yesterday.

Five New Zealand players have contracts for the league.

Non-test pair Shane Bond and Jacob Oram are due to join their Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Superstars franchises after the ODI series against Australia ends on March 13.

Captain Dan Vettori, wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum and leading batsman Ross Taylor, won't join Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata and Bangalore Royal Challengers until next month.

Plenty of behind-the-scenes work has been going on to tighten security arrangements.

"Clearly progress is being made and things are improving, but not quite to the level you'd expect," Heath Mills, New Zealand Cricket Players' Association executive manager said yesterday.

"We're hopeful it will continue to improve leading into the event," he added. (ANI)