Pakistani cricketers hit for six

Six members of the Pakistan touring cricket squad, currently in managed isolation in Christchurch, have tested positive for Covid-19.

Two of these six results have been deemed ‘‘historical’’, while four have been confirmed as new.

In line with the protocols governing the squad’s entry into New Zealand, the six members will be moved to the quarantine arm of the managed isolation facility.

Consequently, the Pakistan team’s exemption to train while in managed isolation has been put on hold until investigations have been completed.

While disappointing for the Pakistan squad, the testing outcomes and the actions taken show the government system is working, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said yesterday. Prior to leaving Lahore, all members of the squad returned negative results on the four occasions they were tested.

NZC has also been made aware that some members of the Pakistan team have contravened managed isolation protocols.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health said the medical officer of health at Canterbury District Health Board had sent a letter to the squad’s management reinforcing that all team members were required to stay in their rooms until advised otherwise.

In addition, since their arrival, several team members had been seen on CCTV breaching managed isolation rules, despite clear, consistent and detailed communication of expected behaviours while in the facility. The team as a whole has been issued with a final warning, the ministry statement said.

NZC will have discussions with Pakistan to assist them in understanding the requirements. The West Indies, who open their series against the Black Caps with a T20 at Auckland’s Eden Park tonight, also broke quarantine regulations.