Pakistan’s NZ tour in balance as six players test positive

WELLINGTON: Six visiting Pakistan cricket squad members tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday, puting their cricket tour of New Zealand in peril. The visitors, therefore, received a “final warning” for flouting quarantine rules.

New Zealand health authorities revoked the Pakistan players’ ability to train while in isolation at their Christchurch hotel, making clear they would not tolerate risky behaviour in a country that has largely eradicated the virus.

“It is a privilege to come to New Zealand to play sport, but in return teams must stick to the rules that are designed to keep Covid-19 out of our communities,” director-general of health, Ashley Bloomfield, said in a statement.

The health ministry said pakistan’ s 53- member tour party, led by skipper Babar Azam, tested negative before leaving Lahore and were swabbed again ater arriving for a spell of managed isolation on the South Island on Tuesday.

Six tests came back positive and those affected were moved into stricter quarantine, it said, with New Zealand Cricket adding that four cases were new and two were regarded as “historical”.

“While this is disappointing for the Pakistan squad, the testing outcomes and the actions taken show the government system is working,” NZC said.

Bloomfield said CCTV showed members of the tour party breaching social distancing protocols.

“The team as a whole has been issued with a final warning,” he said. “It’s important to note that all incidents of breaches occurred within the facility and there is no risk to the public.”

All overseas arrivals must undergo two weeks in quarantine, although New Zealand Cricket negotiated special privileges to allow the tourists to train together. Health authorities said these had been revoked ater several team members were seen on CCTV “breaching managed isolation rules, despite clear, consistent and detailed communication of expected behaviours”.

The tour is scheduled to being with the first of three Twenty20 internationals in Auckland on Dec.18, followed by two Tests, but will be in jeopardy if there are any further breaches. NZC said it was having discussions with the tourists to ensure they understood the quarantine requirements.

Even before Pakistan arrived on Kiwi soil the tour had been hit by ill health, with Pakistan’s dashing opener Fakhar Zaman ruled out at the 11th hour with a persistent fever.

The 30-year-old let-hander tested negative along with the rest of the squad.