Six players of the 35-member squad tested positive for COVID-19 last week when the team arrived in New Zealand from Pakistan and began its compulsory 14-day stay in managed isolation. The seventh member tested positive last Friday when players and officials were tested again on the third day of their isolation period.
New Zealand health authorities were forced to withdraw permission for the team to train in isolation since the 35-man squad of players and officials arrived last month, eight have tested positive for the coronavirus
Pakistan’s Players Complained About Strict Covid -19 Protocols
On Monday, The Pakistani cricketers complained of being affected “mentally and physically” by New Zealand’s strict Covid-19 protocols which have kept the players holed up in their quarantine hotel for nearly two weeks. Early during their stay, several team members were caught mingling together at their four-star quarantine hotel in Christchurch in breach of the managed isolation rules. Coach Misbah Ul Haq was seen frustrated too with this New Zealand’s quarantine rules as he handed few disappointing statements.
“Top professional athletes require a certain environment to prepare so that they can perform at the minimum expected levels every time they represent their countries,” Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq said.
He added that Pakistan “respect and understand” the health and safety regulations imposed by New Zealand, but “there is no denying the fact that the implementation of certain regulations has affected our athletes, both mentally and physically prior to an international series.”
“I want to compliment my players and the management team for their patience, sacrifices and the hardships they have endured to ensure they not only lead the safe resumption of international cricket during the Covid-19 pandemic … but also try to give their best every time they step on the field,” he further said.
New Zealand cricket said the negative test will help Pakistan team leave the isolation on Tuesday, pending health department approval, to prepare and keep up their strategies for their first Twenty20 match against the Black Caps on December 18.
Pakistan is touring New Zealand for three T20 Internationals and two Test matches. The series begins with three T20Is from December 18, followed by the Test matches starting December 26.
