Haris Sohail relieved to resume training after initial ordeal in New Zealand

Pakistan Shaheens completed their first three-hour training session in Queenstown on Wednesday, under the supervision of head coach Ijaz Ahmed.

The Pakistan cricket team had their exemption to train during managed isolation in Christchurch withdrawn by the New Zealand’s Ministry of Health due to several members of the squad testing positive for the novel coronavirus.

10 individuals of the 53-member Pakistan squad had tested positive for the virus since arriving in New Zealand.

Pakistan left-hand batsman Haris Sohail was relieved to resume training after spending two weeks in quarantine.

"We were missing training for the past two weeks. Everyone is happy after completing the net session. We have done some light training today and are trying to get accustomed to the conditions," said Sohail.

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Leg-spinner Usman Qadir also wants to look past the quarantine period and is upbeat ahead of the Twenty20 International (T20I) series against the hosts.

"14-day quarantine was difficult but the good thing is that it is in the past now. I really enjoyed our first training session today. We are hopeful of getting back in rhythm before the T20I series," Qadir said.

"I am aware that spinners play an important role in Twenty20 cricket. If given an opportunity, I will try to give my best," he added.

On December 14, the Pakistan Shaheens will depart for Whangārei, while the following day the senior team will leave for Auckland.

It must be noted that the only four-day match between Shaheens and New Zealand A will now commence on December 17, while the first T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played on December 18.