New Zealand denied Pakistani Cricket team permission for training

Eight members of Pakistan squad have tested positive for COVID-19 and hence New Zealand health ministry refused to give the squad permission to train while in quarantine in Christchurch.


The Pakistan cricket team has been denied an exemption to leave their hotel to train in groups while completing their time in managed isolation.Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield (NZ)confirmed about not granting the exemption. Covid-19 positive tests and a breach of isolation protocols by team members on their first day in isolation has led New Zealand authorities to withhold the training exemption.The health ministry has instructed the national squad to complete its 14-day isolation period at the hotel and they will not train during isolation which will end of December 8.

The CEO of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Wasim Khan said that the coronavirus tests of the Pakistani contingent were conducted at the Shaukat Khanum Hospital ahead of the tour which all were negative. There is a possibility that the players might have contracted virus during the long journey.

“There have been a number of active cases identified among the team. Public health considerations will continue to be foremost in our response to COVID-19, whether this involves individuals or teams. We appreciate the challenges that this decision will have for the touring team,”New Zealand Health Minister added.

A four-day match of Pakistani cricket team have been disturbed after eight members from the 53 have tested positive for coronavirus soon after they arrived in New Zealand. Pakistan are slated to play three T20Is on December 18, 20, and 22, and the ICC World Test Championship fixtures will be held in Mount Maunganui and Christchurch on December 26-30 and January 3-7, respectively.

(Report by Sayyad Abidi)