Six team members of the Pakistan's in New Zealand have tested positive for novel COVID, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) stated on Thursday.
This was reported by the New Zealand Cricket after some of the members of the touring side, which is currently in isolation at a facility in Christchurch, had ‘contravened protocols on the first day of managed isolation’.
The NZC stated in a press release, "Two of these six results have been deemed "historical"; four have been confirmed as new.” It also added, "This means that, in line with the protocols governing the squad's entry into New Zealand, the six members of the squad will be moved to the quarantine arm of the managed isolation facility.”
Following the development, the Pakistan team's exclusion to train while in managed isolation has been put on hold until investigations have been completed.
All members of the Pakistan touring squad before leaving Lahore had returned negative results on the four occasions they were tested.
The NZC stated, "Separately, NZC has also been made aware that some members of the Pakistan team had contravened protocols on the first day of managed isolation. We will be having discussions with the tourists to assist them in understanding the requirements.”
"NZC considers public health and safety to be paramount in the hosting of international teams, and is supportive of the Ministry of Health and Government position," it added.
New Zealand is scheduled to play three T20Is and two Tests against Pakistan, beginning December 10. Before that, New Zealand will battle West Indies in three T20Is and two Tests starting Friday.
