Cricket: Pakistan cricket team could leave managed isolation tomorrow

Pakistan’s cricket team could leave managed isolation tomorrow, if the Health Ministry approves.

New Zealand Cricket said today that the Pakistan team’s Covid-19 tests on the 12th have come back negative.

Furthermore, the squad member who was quarantined in Auckland after arriving from Dubai feeling unwell but later tested negative was also allowed to leave the facility.

Not being able to train in their managed isolation in Christchurch has affected Pakistan’s preparation for the series against New Zealand, according to head coach Misbah-ul-Haq.

Eight members of Pakistan’s 53-member squad have tested positive for coronavirus since their arrival, prompting the New Zealand Health Ministry to revoke the tourist training exemption on Friday.

“The best professional athletes require a certain environment to prepare so that they can perform at expected minimum levels …”, Misbah said in a statement after naming an 18-member team for the three-game Twenty20 series that will begin in Auckland on December. 18.

“While we fully respect and understand the laws of the New Zealand government … there is no denying the fact that the implementation of certain regulations has affected our athletes, both mentally and physically …”

Misbah, however, had no doubts that the tourists, who are currently in a 14-day isolation period, would be ready to challenge New Zealand, which defeated the West Indies in four days in a Hamilton test on Sunday. .

“… when we leave the isolation facility in the next day or two, we will try to put all of this behind us and focus on the challenge of facing New Zealand in both formats,” said the former Pakistan captain.

Former captain and stumper Sarfaraz Ahmed returned to team Twenty20, along with all-rounder Hussain Talat in the only changes from the team that defeated Zimbabwe 3-0 last month.

“For the T20I, we have retained the team that has been playing together for some time,” Misbah said.

“The team is made up of young, talented and high-performing players who are determined and eager to make a name for themselves and further cement their place in the team.”

The teams will also play a two-round series starting at Mount Maunganui from Boxing Day.