Seifert stuck in Covid hell
Black Caps batsman Tim Seifert has been forced to remain in India after testing positive for Covid-19 just hours before he was due to leave the virus-ravaged country.
Seifert, who represented the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, failed both his predeparture tests and has been taken into quarantine.
New Zealand Cricket issued a statement saying the keeperbatsman is experiencing moderate symptoms.
New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association boss Heath Mills told Newstalk ZB Seifert is in an anxious state under what are stressful circumstances.
NZC chief executive David White said Seifert had returned seven negative tests in the 10 days leading up to his pre-departure protocols, and was confident he would be receiving the best of care from his franchise.
“It’s really unfortunate for Tim and we’ll do everything for him we can from this end, and hopefully he will be able to test negative, and be cleared and approved for discharge as soon as he’s well again.
“Since receiving the news, we’ve organised support for Tim and have also, via the Players’ Association, been in contact with his family to ensure they’re kept fully informed and updated on developments.”
Once Seifert has undergone treatment and the statutory period of isolation, and has tested negative, he will be transferred back to New Zealand, where he will undergo the mandatory 14 days of managed isolation.
One of the two charter flights transporting New Zealand’s IPL contingent home has already departed India, and the other was scheduled to leave last night after being delayed for logistical reasons.
All those on the flights have been, and will be, observing prescribed pre-departure as well as in-flight protocols, including Covid-19 tests, social distancing, mask wearing and best-practice hygiene, and will again be assessed on arrival in Auckland.
Seifert is not part of the Black Caps squad contesting the World Test Championship final in June and White told Newstalk ZB he was confident the New Zealand and Indian squads would safely make their way to Southampton for the June 18 start date.
However, there have been changes to the arrangements for those players bound for the England-based tour, with Kane
It’s really unfortunate for Tim and we’ll do everything for him we can from this end. NZC chief executive David White
Williamson, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson and physiotherapist Tommy Simsek all transferring to the Maldives (rather than staying in New Delhi) ahead of travelling to England.
Black Caps trainer Chris Donaldson, who initially signalled his intention to return home on one of the New Zealand-bound charter flights before returning to England, has instead opted to remain with the UK-bound players and is also in the Maldives.
The decision for this group to transfer to the Maldives was taken after advice that their entry into the UK, initially thought to take place around May 11, was likely to be delayed a further week.