New Zealand summer matches against Scotland and Ireland "highly unlikely" to go ahead

Kane Williamson’s side are due to take on Kyle Coetzer’s men in two games at the Grange in Edinburgh on June 10 and June 12 – a T20I followed by a one-off one-day international

It is “highly unlikely” that New Zealand’s pair of matches against Scotland will go ahead this summer, according to New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White.

Kane Williamson’s side are due to take on Kyle Coetzer’s men in two games at the Grange in Edinburgh on June 10 and June 12 – a T20I followed by a one-off one-day international.

New Zealand are also set to face Ireland in three T20Is at Bready and three ODIs at Stormont, from June 19 to July 2, before travelling to the Netherlands and the West Indies to complete a busy summer.

However, given the current lockdown situation caused by the global coronavirus pandemic, the tour is in serious doubt. The Edinburgh Festival, which was due to take place in August, was cancelled on Wednesday.

“Clearly, this situation is extremely disappointing for everyone involved in sport,” White said on Friday.

“But, given the bigger picture, and the terrible toll that COVID-19 is taking worldwide, we need to look after not only our own people, but the greater community good.

“Cricket in New Zealand has been fortunate in that we were very much at the end of our home summer programme when this crisis struck. However, with the lockdown now in full force, we are mindful of the difficulties facing our cricket community.”

In March, New Zealand had their three-match ODI series against Australia curtailed after just a single game as the spread of the virus increased, while the subsequent T20I series between the nations was postponed.

Cricket Scotland, meanwhile, have suspended all cricket activity until June 1, with a further review to take place then. They are also due to host Australia for a one-off T20I on June 29.

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