Six Pakistan squad members test positive for Covid-19 in New Zealand

Prior to leaving Lahore, all members of the Pakistan touring squad returned negative results on the four occasions they were tested

PHOTO COURTESY: PCB

NZC was made aware today that six members of the Pakistan touring squad, currently in managed isolation in Christchurch, have tested positive for Covid-19.

Two of these six results have been deemed “historical”; four have been confirmed as new.

This means that, in line with the protocols governing the squad’s entry into New Zealand, the six members of the squad will be moved to the quarantine arm of the managed isolation facility.

As a consequence, the Pakistan team’s exemption to train while in managed isolation has been put on hold until investigations have been completed.

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While this is disappointing for the Pakistan squad, the testing outcomes and the actions taken show the Government system is working.

Prior to leaving Lahore, all members of the Pakistan touring squad returned negative results on the four occasions they were tested.

Separately, NZC has also been made aware that some members of the Pakistan team had contravened protocols on the first day of managed isolation. We will be having discussions with the tourists to assist them in understanding the requirements.

NZC considers public health and safety to be paramount in the hosting of international teams, and is supportive of the Ministry of Health and Government position.

Earlier, Pakistan team’s assistant coach Shahid Aslam had to stay back in Auckland, rather than departing with the rest of the squad for Christchurch, after informing the local authorities about suffering from sore throat.

He was, today, cleared by the health department after testing negative for Covid-19 and will soon join the Pakistan squad.

Aslam is part of the PK 4 group in New Zealand which includes Pakistan cricketers Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Rizwan, Hussain Talat, Wahab Riaz, Haris Rauf, Musa Khan. Meanwhile, members of the team management in this group are Misbahul Haq, Talha Ijaz, Dr Sohail Saleem and Malang Ali.