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IPL franchise director of Royal Challengers Bangalore Cricket Operations Mike Hesson returned to New Zealand on Tuesday after being stranded in India for more than a month amid the national shutdown to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
The former New Zealand player and coach had arrived in India on March 5 for the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League, but was stuck in the country after the closure was imposed and all flights were suspended.
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“What a wonderful sight after spending more than a day on a bus to get to the Mumbai airport. The @FlyAirNZ staff was just outstanding on our return to New Zealand, ”Hesson tweeted.
What a wonderful sight ✈️ after spending more than a day on a bus 🚌 to get to Mumbai airport. The staff in @FlyAirNZ They were just outstanding on our return to New Zealand 👏👏👏
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A special thanks to 👇@NZinIndia @MFATNZ @Narendra Modi @jacindaardern #repatriationflight #India #NEW ZEALAND
🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/1Qq6xrcotu– Mike Hesson (@CoachHesson) April 27, 2020
He also thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the New Zealand embassy in India, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
“Special thanks to the backhand index pointing down @NZinIndia @MFATNZ @narendramodi @jacindaardern #repatriationflight #india #NZ,” he added.
To stop the spread of the coronavirus outbreak, India and New Zealand announced blockades in their respective countries last month, along with travel restrictions, forcing the 45-year-old to stay in Bangalore. While India remains closed until May 3, New Zealand eased its stringent measures on Tuesday.
The IPL, which was originally due to start on March 29, was suspended until further notice due to the pandemic.
The cornavirus outbreak, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has infected more than 30 lakh people worldwide while killing more than two lakh.
All sporting events, including the Tokyo Olympics, have been canceled or postponed.
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