Pakistan squad clears final round of COVID-19 tests

HAMILTON-Player from Pakistan’s squad for their upcoming series against New Zealand have cleared the fifth and final round of COVID-19 tests on day 12 after having reported six positive results last month.

The six members of Pakistan’s touring party had reported positive test results after arriving in New Zealand on 24 November, four of which were new and the other two historical. After clearing the final round of tests on day 12, pending final Ministry of Health approval, the squad will leave managed isolation and fly to Queenstown today (Tuesday). 

Prior to the T20Is, Pakistan A, who are on a shadow tour, will feature in two four-day games against New Zealand A in the build-up to the two-Test series, which is part of the World Test Championship. The first four-day game begins on December 10 in Queenstown, with the second one from December 17 in Whangarei. Both squads – the T20I and Pakistan A – will be staying in separate hotels in Queenstown and training at different times according to their match requirements. 

According to an official statement by New Zealand Cricket, “the member of the Pakistan squad who tested positive on Day 6 will remain in managed isolation until departing, negative tests permitting. Additionally, the member of the squad who was taken into quarantine in Auckland after arriving from Dubai feeling unwell but subsequently testing negative has also been cleared to leave the facility.” 

The news comes as a relief to the Pakistan camp, with many of the players having already spent extended periods in a bubble at different times since July, when they resumed playing cricket during the England tour after a coronavirus-induced lockdown. Subsequently, they also conducted their domestic season under a bio-bubble at home, followed by a short limited-overs series against Zimbabwe and the PSL playoffs. 

Pakistan were to start training in New Zealand on December 5, but were sent into extended quarantine after six members returned positive tests upon arrival. When a number of players were found to have mingled in groups at their isolation facility, PCB CEO Wasim Khan had spoken to the players, asking them to refrain from such acts that could put the tour in jeopardy. 

On Sunday, head coach Misbah-ul-Haq praised his players for making sacrifices, while also stating how spending time in isolation without being given the concession to train was both ‘mentally and physically’ draining. “I want to compliment my players and the management team for their patience, sacrifices and the hardships they have endured to ensure they not only lead the safe resumption of international cricket during the Covid-19 pandemic since the series in England, but also try to give their best every time they step on the field,” Misbah said in a PCB release. 

“Top professional athletes require a certain environment to prepare so that they can perform at the minimum expected levels every time they represent their countries. While we completely respect and understand the New Zealand Government Laws which have been put in place for the health and safety of their public, there is no denying the fact that the implementation of certain regulations has affected our athletes, both mentally and physically prior to an international series. “Nonetheless, when we will leave the isolation facility in the next day or two, we will try to put all this behind us and focus on the challenge of facing New Zealand in both the formats.”