The Pakistan cricket team practised in Queenstown for the three-match T20I and Test series in New Zealand after finishing their quarantine period.
The Pakistan cricket team have had a torrid build-up to the series against New Zealand which will begin from December 18. The coronavirus pandemic hit the Pakistan cricket team hard and there were several speculations that the tour might be cancelled with the New Zealand ministry of health stating that one more breach of the isolated bio-bubble could see the entire squad being deported. At one point in time, the Pakistan cricket team accounted for 10 percent of New Zealand's total coronavirus cases. New Zealand has been successful in dealing with the pandemic successfully and they have managed to keep the active caseload low. New Zealand are currently playing the West Indies and they have not lost either a Twenty20 International or a Test match so far. For Pakistan, all the build-up has been marred as they have only recently gotten to train after all the issues that they had to deal with in their isolation bubble.
There were as many as eight to nine people in the Pakistan cricket team who were infected with the coronavirus. Many reports stated that the Pakistan cricket team might have gotten it in their flight to New Zealand. On the other hand, the Pakistan coronavirus situation has resulted in plenty of finger pointing at the Pakistan Cricket Board for the lax testing and lack of proper mechanisms to ensure that players were not infected. Having overcome all this, the Pakistan cricket team finally got down to business and they practised in Queenstown, one of the most beautfiul places in New Zealand. The pictures are such a treat that one will be tempted to fly down to New Zealand and soak in the sights as the world tries to remember the normal before the coronavirus pandemic.
1. Pakistan tour of New Zealand
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The picteresque venue of Queenstown served as the practice venue for Pakistan as they geared up for the three Twenty20 Internationals and Tests against New Zealand. After two torrid weeks that were marred by reports of bio-bubble breaches and coronavirus infections, Pakistan's cricket team finally hit the ground running. Surrounded by moutains and the airport very near by, Queenstown is one of the most beautiful venues in the world. (Image credit: Wisden Cricket Facebook)
2. Pakistan tour of New Zealand
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Mohammed Hafeez in conversation as Shadab Khan looks on. Pakistan have a good record in New Zealand when it comes to Twenty20 Internationals and they have come here to ensure they continue their good run. Pakistan's last Twenty20 International series was against England when they drew that series 1-1. That series was also played in the bio-bubble of England. (Image credit: Wisden Cricket Facebook)
3. Pakistan tour of New Zealand
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Queenstown has seen many memorable moments. In 2013, Corey Anderson struck a magnificent 36-ball century against West Indies on New Year's Day as he put Queenstown on the world map. The century broke a 17-year record where Shahid Afridi had hit a 37-ball century against Sri Lanka in Nairobi. Pakistan would be hoping for something similar when they take on New Zealand. (Image credit: Wisden Cricket Facebook)
4. Pakistan tour of New Zealand
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Pakistan cricket team had an intense practice session which included batsmen, bowlers and members of the coaching staff take to the field. Pakistan last visited New Zealand in 2018 and they were hammered in the ODIs but managed to win the Twenty20 International series. (Image credit: PCB Twitter)
5. Pakistan tour of New Zealand
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Younis Khan, the batting coach of Pakistan and Misbah-ul-Haq, the coach of the side, are engaged in an interesting conversation as Pakistan prepares to take on New Zealand for three T20Is and two Tests. The T20Is will begin on December 18 while the Tests will be played on Boxing Day and the New Year. Pakistan's last Test series saw them being hammered 0-2 in 2016. (Image credit: PCB Twitter)
