Pakistan players’ behaviour 'significantly' better since COVID-19 protocol breach: New Zealand Health Ministry

6 Pakistani players were tested COVID-19 positive on November 26.

Pakistan will play New Zealand in three T20Is and two Tests | GettyNew Zealand's Ministry of Health on Friday (November 27) said Pakistan cricket team's behaviour in their bio-secure bubble has improved significantly.

The statement came just 24 hours after the visitors were warned about breaching COVID-19 protocols.

On Thursday (November 26), it was announced that 6 Pakistan players at their managed isolation facility in Christchurch had tested positive for the novel Coronavirus.

The ministry had also said there was evidence of them violating the bio-security rules.

"Since the team was issued with a warning, compliance with MIQ (managed isolation and quarantine) rules in the facility has significantly improved," it said in a statement.

"We thank members of the team for their co-operation with the case investigations following the announcement of positive cases within the team.

"Co-operation and compliance are critical in ensuring New Zealand is kept safe from Covid-19."

The positive results had come out from tests conducted after Pakistan team’s landing in New Zealand, where all arrivals have to serve two weeks of quarantine.

The ministry added that the squad had undergone a second round of COVID-19 testing on Friday.

After the positive result, Pakistan’s training during the isolation period was put on hold.

Subsequently, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar warned New Zealand Cricket to ‘behave yourself’ and accused NZC of treating the Pakistan national team like a club team.

"I want to give a message to New Zealand board (NZC) that this is not a club team, it's Pakistan national cricket team," Shoaib said on his YouTube channel. "We don't need you. You are talking about Pakistan -- the greatest country on the planet -- so behave yourself and stop giving such statement.

(Inputs from Reuters)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 27 Nov, 2020

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