Pakistan squad tests negative for Covid-19 ahead of New Zealand tour

The entire Pakistan squad has tested negative for Covid-19 ahead of their departure for the tour of New Zealand.

The Covid-19 tests for the 55-member contingent, 35 players and 20 officials, involved were conducted on Saturday in Lahore.

The squad will depart for Lincoln on November 23 where they will spend the mandatory 14-day quarantine period. The players will remain isolated for the first three days and will be removed from the squad incase they return a positive Covid-19 test result. For the remainder of the quarantine period, members will be divided in different groups of 15, during which they will live in their own separate areas, and will not be allowed to interact with individuals of other groups.

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Pakistan men’s national team will play three T20Is on December 18, 20 and 22, and the ICC World Test Championship fixtures will be held in Mount Maunganui and Christchurch on December 26-30 and January 3-7, respectively.

Apart from the 35 players involved in pre-series intra-squad matches as part of their preparations, Pakistan men’s national team players not involved in international matches against New Zealand will be available for selection for the Shaheens’ matches against New Zealand A.

Babar Azam has been confirmed Pakistan captain in all formats. His vice-captain in Tests will be Mohammad Rizwan, while Shadab will be the vice-captain.