Pak vs NZ: Players may have got virus during travel, says PCB CEO

LAHORE: The members of Pakistani contingent may have contracted coronavirus during their travelling to New Zealand, Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Chief Executive Officer Wasim Khan said.

The senior PCB official was quoted by a UK media outlet as saying.

Eight members of the 53-strong Pakistan squad have tested positive for the virus since arriving in New Zealand which has disturbed the team’s schedule and a four-day match of Pakistan Shaheens was cancelled as well.

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Wasim Khan said that tests of all members of the squad, coaches and supporting staff were conducted at the Shaukat Khanum Hospital.

“There is a possibility that the players might have contracted virus during the long journey,” he said.

He ruled out the impression of players violating rules in New Zealand and contracting the virus there.

Training permission not granted

The Pakistan cricket team have had their exemption to train during managed isolation in Christchurch withdrawn due to several members of the squad testing positive for the novel coronavirus, New Zealand's Ministry of Health said on Friday.

"I have very carefully considered this situation," Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said in a statement. "At this time, I continue to have ongoing concerns about the risk of cross-infection within the squad.

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"There have been a number of active cases identified among the team. Public health considerations will continue to be foremost in our response to COVID-19, whether this involves individuals or teams.

"We appreciate the challenges that this decision will have for the touring team."

Under the exemption, the squad would have been allowed to train in small groups from the fourth day of their mandatory 14-day isolation until they were released next week.

The initial positive tests that were discovered upon their arrival, however, prompted Bloomfield to temporarily suspend the exemption until the Health Ministry completes an investigation.

The squad were also warned for breaching bio-security regulations last week.

Pakistan were scheduled to have a four-day game starting on Dec. 10 against New Zealand 'A' upon their release from isolation, but opted instead to play a series of intra-squad matches, New Zealand Cricket said on Thursday.