Six members of Pakistan’s contingent test positive for Covid 19 in NZ

Six members of Pakistan’s touring contingent to New Zealand have tested positive for COVID 19 as per a report released by New Zealand Cricket (NZC). Four of these cases have found out to be recent infections while two of them have been deemed “historical”. This has raised major concerns for a nation that had very successfully managed to control the spread of the virus.

The 53 members of Pakistan’s contingent had passed a symptom check before leaving for New Zealand in Lahore and were tested on arrival in Christchurch on November 24. They had also returned negative results for four different tests held before their departure. Although, it is not clear whether the members who tested positive were cricketers or not.

NZC has also said that Pakistan’s “exemption to train while in managed isolation has been put on hold until investigations have been completed”. The six members who tested positive will be moved to the quarantine arm of the managed isolation facility in Christchurch.

New Zealand’s health ministry said the players will now “be tested a minimum of four times while in managed isolation”

Earlier, Pakistan’s flamboyant opener, Fakhar Zaman was left out of the squad as a precautionary measure due to probable symptoms of Covid 19. He was reported having a very persistent high fever.

Also read: England Vs South Africa T20Is: Can The Proteas’ Bowling Firepower Keep England At Bay?

The New Zealand health ministry also revealed that “several team members have been seen on CCTV at the facility breaching managed isolation rules, despite clear, consistent and detailed communication of expected behaviours”.

“The team as a whole has been issued with a final warning,” it said.

“It is a privilege to come to New Zealand to play sport, but in return, teams must stick to the rules that are designed to keep COVID-19 out of our communities and keep our staff safe,” said top health official Ashley Bloomfield.

The nature of the breach is still unknown.

At least 10 players of Pakistan has tested positive for Covid 19 in their last tour to England.

Pakistan will play three T20Is on December 18, 20 and 22 in Auckland, Hamilton and Napier respectively, before playing two Tests in Mount Maunganui (December 26-30) and Christchurch (January 3-7).