West Indies players have found breaching isolation rules in New Zealand, and for which, New Zealand Cricket revoked their permission to train while serving the mandatory 14-day isolation period.
The West Indies team is in New Zealand to play a bilateral series starting on 27 November and had already passed two COVID-19 tests after arriving in the country. They were also given special authorities to train in the bio-bubble during their 14 days of isolation under COVID-19 regulations, but they failed to stick to the rules despite agreeing to abide by the parameters of the exemption.
New Zealand’s Ministry of Health has confirmed that the CCTV footage from the team’s Christchurch hotel showed players mingling in hallways and sharing food in violation of isolation regulations having completed 12 of its scheduled 14 days of isolation under COVID-19 guidelines.
However, the Ministry said all incidents occurred within the hotel and there was no danger to the public, but the isolation period might be extended if any further concerns arise.
Following the breach, the New Zealand Cricket has decided to not allow the touring party to train until they complete their 14-day isolation and pass the third and final COVID-19 test on Wednesday.
And if they return negative, the team may be allowed to leave isolation on Friday and travel to Queenstown for two warm-up matches against New Zealand A.
Director-General of Health Dr. Ashley Bloomfield said: “As with other sports teams that have come to New Zealand, the West Indies cricket team were given certain exemptions from the managed isolation rules which apply to everyone else. This included being able to be in larger bubbles and train in preparation for their international games.”
Bloomfield further added, “It is a privilege to come here but in return they have to stick to the rules. Keeping COVID-19 out of our communities and keeping our staff safe depends on it. They didn’t do that, despite agreeing to abide by the parameters of the exemption.”
Meanwhile, NZC was informed of the breaches on Tuesday and the board supported the Ministry’s actions for compromising bubble integrity.
A spokesperson said: “NZ Cricket will continue working with the West Indies team and management and relevant government agencies to ensure there is no repeat of these violations.”
Noteworthy, the tour will begin with the first T20I on 27th November in Auckland.
(With AP Inputs)
