Six members of Pakistan cricket team test COVID-19 positive

What came as a severe blow to New Zealand Cricket’s efforts of returning to normal, six members of the Pakistan cricket team have tested positive for Covid-19 while in isolation in Christchurch. New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Thursday that all six players have been moved into quarantine and the team’s exemption to train while in isolation revoked.

“Two of these six results have been deemed “historical”; four have been confirmed as new,” NZC stated in a release. “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.

“As a consequence, the Pakistan team’s exemption to train while in managed isolation has been put on hold until investigations have been completed.”

New Zealand are hosting West Indies for three T20Is and two Tests from November 27 to December 15. While Pakistan will officially start their tour from December 10 with the A-side taking on New Zealand A in a couple of practice games.

The three T20Is between Pakistan and New Zealand will begin in Auckland on December 18, which will be followed by a two-Test match series between December 26 and January 7.