Pakistan team will not enjoy any exemption to train while in managed pre-series isolation in New Zealand with eight of their players testing COVID-19 positive.
The training exemption could've allowed tourists to leave their Christchurch hotel and train in small groups after the third day of their 14-day quarantine.
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Extra training time in the build-up to the difficult tour comprising 3 T20Is and 2 Tests would've proved beneficial. But now, with Pakistanis giving additional Coronavirus positive cases and controversially breaching social distancing protocols, New Zealand authorities have withheld their exemption.
"I have very carefully considered this situation," Dr Ashley Bloomfield, New Zealand’s director-general of health, said on Friday (December 4), confirming the decision imposed.
"At this time, I continue to have ongoing concerns about the risk of cross-infection within the squad. 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."
It's a huge setback for the touring team which will start off the series against the Black Caps with the first of three T20Is on December 18. The Tests will kick-off on December 26.
The visitors have already been issued a "final warning" by Kiwi health officials for breaching quarantine regulations shortly after reaching New Zealand.
Close television coverage from the team hotel showed Pakistani players breaking the rules by mingling in corridors, besides sharing food.
Another such breach could lead to them being expelled from the country that has done a heroic job in tackling the pandemic.
All touring players and support staff members are expected to remain confined to their hotel rooms for the first three days of necessary isolation until a potential exemption is given.
First, third and the sixth days of the quarantine saw tests conducted for the dangerous virus.
Curiously, the entire Pakistani squad tested negative when they got together in Lahore but six returned positive upon arriving in New Zealand, a count which has since risen to eight. All of them are separately isolated.
The growing cases have also raised a question mark on the testing arrangements made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) before the players were okayed to travel across.
(Inputs from AP)
