Ehsan Mani, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, ruled out the possibility of national team's ongoing tour of New Zealand getting cancelled amid scares borne out of additional Coronavirus positive cases within the touring camp and also an earlier breach of Kiwi health protocols. 

During an interview to 'Dawn News' television channel, Mani said he is understanding of the concerns raised by the New Zealand government in wake of seven Pakistani players giving positive tests upon arrival. But he insisted the scheduled 3 T20Is and 2 Tests remain on course. 

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"Yes, there have been a few minor breaches which occurred as soon as the team reached their hotel and were perhaps still unsure about the COVID-19 protocols and were asking questions. But they have now been advised to be careful to adhere to the protocols of the New Zealand government," Mani said.

"Whatever has happened there, the series will not be affected and will go ahead on schedule. Yes we would like our players to get permission to start training soon so that they don't go into the T20 series short on preparation or acclimatisation," he added. 

Mani informed the players and the support staff are strictly following the isolation protocols now. 

He further pointed out that people should give some thought to the fact that the Pakistani players reached New Zealand late last month after a 22-hour-long journey. 

Mani refrained from commenting on the COVID-19 cases after tests which will continue till the whole squad is cleared and allowed to train. 

PTI reported, "On Tuesday (December 1), the New Zealand health authorities said after a fresh round of tests while 43 members of the touring squad had returned negative results, three had tested positive and one result was awaited."

"But they made it clear they are still investigating if the new positive cases were historical ones or new ones."

The PCB, Mani said, is constantly discussing a way out of with the New Zealand health authorities, with the talks involving the possibility of those testing negative allowed to start their practice sessions for the series beginning December 18. 

Question marks have also been raised whether there was a compromise of testing arrangements when the players got together in Lahore. Mani responded to those as well, saying the entire New Zealand-bound party was tested by one of the most reputed and credible laboratories in Pakistan. And that the outcome of the same was then shared with New Zealand government officials and they were satisfied with it. 

"We are going to investigate as to how some of the touring squad members got positive results and where they potentially could have got the virus but it is anticipated transmission could have taken place during the journey and the isolation facility."

"We are also investigating which players were first infected and how it was transmitted to others," Mani said.

(Inputs from PTI)