Pakistan’s cricket squad denied exemption to train

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 confirmed yesterday he would not grant the exemption.

The Pakistan touring party of 54 has had eight positive Covid-19 tests since going into managed isolation in Christchurch. Soon after going into isolation, several team members were seen on video surveillance footage mingling, sharing food and chatting among themselves.

Bloomfield, at the time, said the cricketers were on a final warning after those breaches.

The Ministry of Health had said their compliance with the rules had ‘‘significantly improved’’ since then, and the Pakistan Cricket Board had indicated on Wednesday it was confident team members who tested negative at routine day 9 tests on Thursday would be able to start training while in managed isolation.

That was subject to Ministry of Health approval, but Bloomfield’s ruling has quashed those hopes.

‘‘I have very carefully considered this situation. At this time, I continue to have ongoing concerns about the risk of cross-infection within the squad,’’ Bloomfield said yesterday.

‘‘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.’’

The Pakistan team are to open their tour with three Twenty20 internationals, starting at Auckland’s Eden Park on December 18.

Their 54-strong touring party comprises the main Pakistan team and an A team, plus officials.

The A team were to have had matches against New Zealand A but are now down to play a series of intra-squad games in Queenstown from December 10-13 to ‘‘maximise’’ their preparation ahead of the T20s and test matches.

The eighth positive Covid-19 test was announced on Wednesday. Two other team members had tested positive from tests they were required to have after six days in managed isolation but these were deemed to be historical infections.

It was reported earlier this week that the squad could not train until the Canterbury District Health Board medical officer of health was satisfied any training activities were unlikely to transmit the virus.

The Pakistan Cricket Board said on Wednesday: ‘‘The management and the players are fully supportive of the process and keen to get back on to the field as soon as they are compliant with the New Zealand Government Rules.’’

The touring party is staying at the Chateau on the Park in Christchurch.