Pakistan tour of New Zealand not in jeopardy despite eighth positive Covid-19 test

Babar Azam's side are due to face the Kiwis in three T20s and two Tests in December and January

• Fakhar Zaman ruled out of New Zealand tour
• Babar appointed Test captain

Pakistan's multi-format tour of New Zealand remains on course despite an eighth member of the touring part testing positive for Covid-19.

The PCB today have also addressed allegations of a quarantine breach committed by several of their squad last week

In a statement seen by The Cricketer, subsequent to news of a further positive result, a PCB spokesperson confirmed that they are engaging in ongoing discussions with the relevant authorities in New Zealand.  

It is now confirmed that of the 54-member touring party, a total of eight unnamed team members have returned positive tests following days one, three and six of the Covid testing schedule. 

Of these eight positives, two have been deemed to be historic cases of Covid 19 while the remaining six appear to be new cases.  It is also confirmed that the Pakistan touring party all underwent testing on four separate occasions prior to leaving Pakistan, however, the virus must reach detectable levels before a positive test can be returned.

The PCB has now confirmed that while all individuals with new cases will undergo a separate quarantine, those members with historical cases of Covid will undergo isolation with members of the party who tested as negative.

Thursday (December 3) will mark the ninth day of testing, and those who continue to return negative tests, subject to approval by the Ministry of Health in New Zealand, will be allowed to resume training for the remainder of their time in managed isolation, expected to occur (pending approval) after the 14th day of isolation concludes on December 8. 

It is understood that the Pakistan camp has been given strong indications that resumption of training will not pose an issue, provided that the remaining period of isolation is free of any breaches.

^{Pakistan's squad have been accused of breaching quarantine rules}

The PCB’s statement reiterates that the board are maintaining close contact with the touring party and management in New Zealand, both in regards to the resumption of training and compliance with managed isolation rules as administered by the government.

At this time, the PCB have not yet released a statement regarding the alleged breaches committed by members of the touring party, however, this is the second time such breaches have occurred during New Zealand’s recently-begun international summer with members of the West Indies squad committing similar errors three weeks ago. 

It is understood that despite Pakistani players being accused of leaving the isolation facility by several media outlets, this was not in fact the case, and the breaches in question were similar in nature to those committed by the West Indies squad, with players mingling in the hallway and failing to wear masks within the facility.

These breaches were limited in exposure to the touring party and did not affect other guests at the facility. The PCB at this time will not be releasing the names of the touring party who have returned positive tests, in accordance with the medico-legal rights of the individuals in question.  

For now, it appears that despite social media rumours, the Pakistan tour of New Zealand is not in jeopardy, provided that the MOH remains satisfied with the protocols followed by the touring party.  In such a case, fans in New Zealand can expect to enjoy the three T20s on December 18 at Eden Park, the December 20 at Seddon Park, and December 22 at McLean Park.

A two-Test series at Bay Oval and Hagley Oval are set to follow.

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