'Final warning' for Pakistan cricketers in New Zealand
- by Cecil Buchanan
- in Sports
- — Nov 27, 2020
The statement said "while this is disappointing for the Pakistan squad, the testing outcomes and the actions taken show the Government system is working".
In a WhatsApp voice note sent to Pakistan players on Thursday, Wasim Khan said he was given a "final warning" by both New Zealand Cricket and its government after six Pakistan players tested positive for the coronavirus on arriving in the country.
He said that the board has warned that any further violation of SOPs would result in the Pakistan cricket team being sent back home.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that six members of Pakistan's touring side have tested positive for COVID-19.
New Zealand Cricket confirmed yesterday afternoon six members of the 53-man Pakistan cricket team touring New Zealand tested positive while in managed isolation in Christchurch - two of which were "historical" and the other four considered new.
More news: Xiaomi Shows Strong Growth Momentum in Q3 2020 Financial Report"As a effect, the Pakistan team's exemption to train while in managed isolation has been put on hold until investigations have been completed", NZC said.
Bloomfield said CCTV showed members of the tour party breaching social distancing protocols.
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. There is no risk to the public as the isolation breaches occurred within the facility, the health department said.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) while confirming the news said that members had violated the Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) on the first day of isolation.
Prior to leaving Lahore, all members of the Pakistan touring squad returned negative results on the four occasions they were tested, the governing body said. While Pakistan is on its second tour since the global lockdown, worldwide cricket is yet to resume in New Zealand.
More news: Charlie Morton joins Braves for $15 million in Major League Baseball free agency"We will be having discussions with the tourists to assist them in understanding the requirements", said the board.
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.
Pakistan will play three Twenty20 internationals against New Zealand, beginning on December 18, and two test matches the first of which starts on December 26.
The first Test starts on Boxing Day.
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