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Pakistan cricket team’s one more COVID breach could see them getting deported from New Zealand

Pakistan cricket team have been given one final warning that if they breach COVID protocols in New Zealand, the entire squad could be deported.

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Pakistan cricket team have been placed on a 'final warning' list that if they commit one more COVID protocol breach, they will be sent home from New Zealand.
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Pakistan cricket team’s tour of New Zealand has started off on the wrong note. After six members of the Pakistan cricket team contingent tested positive for the coronavirus, reports have emerged from their Christchurch isolation facility that there have been three to four breaches of coronavirus isolation protocol. Now, the New Zealand government has apparently come down hard. According to a report, if the Pakistan cricket team commits one more breach of COVID isolation breach, the entire squad could be deported. Following the incident, the Pakistan cricket team’s training rights have been revoked.

In a report on ESPNCricinfo, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) CEO Wasim Khan has apparently given the message to the Pakistan cricket team that they face potential deportation. “Boys, I spoke to the New Zealand government and they told us there were three or four breaches of protocols. They have a zero-tolerance policy and they've given us a final warning. We understand that this is a difficult time for you, and you went through similar conditions in England. It's not easy. But this is a matter of the nation's respect and credibility. Observe these 14 days and then you'll have the freedom to go to restaurants and roam about freely. They have told me in clear terms that if we commit one more breach, they'll send us home,” Wasim Khan said on a Whatsapp voice message that was accessed by ESPNCricinfo.

Following the reports of the breach, New Zealand Cricket has given Pakistan a final warning but now there has been a strong rebuke from New Zealand's director general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield. The Director General of Health said, “(It is) a privilege to come to New Zealand to play sport, but in return teams must stick to the rules that are designed to keep Covid-19 out of our communities.”

Sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board said that the six who tested positive for the coronavirus were Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammed Abbas, Abid Ali, Naseem Shah, Rohail Nazir, Danish Aziz. All six members of the squad will be moved to the quarantine arm of a managed isolation facility. Pakistan is here for three T20 Internationals and two Tests. The series begins December 18 in Auckland.

Low levels of COVID in NZ

New Zealand has one of the lowest rates of coronavirus in the world with only 59 active cases in the second wave. At one point in time, New Zealand went over 100 days without a single case of the novel coronavirus and many believed they had achieved victory. However, a fresh cluster emerged in Auckland and they went back to strict levels.

Currently, New Zealand’s coronavirus protocol is operating at level 1, meaning there is no restriction on travel and meetings apart from isolation zones. PCB CEO Wasim Khan said New Zealand had a zero tolerance policy on COVID breaches. “It would be very embarrassing if they end up sending the team back. I know it's very tough and difficult, but stay disciplined and follow the protocols they have set. We have no margin for error with the New Zealand government. This is a final warning. They will not compromise on health and safety. Do what's right for your country,” Wasim Khan said.

Pakistan will play three Twenty20 Internationals and two Tests. The three Twenty20 Internationals will take place on December 18,20 and 22 while the two Tests will be played on December 26 and January 3.

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