PAK vs NZ: Eighth Pakistani player tests positive for coronavirus

An eighth member of the Pakistani squad has tested positive for Covid-19, it was confirmed on Wednesday (December 2).

The said Pakistani player was under investigation along with two other squad members a day earlier. It was the only positive case in the country as of Wednesday, as reported by the Ministry of Health. Two of the eight positive cases are termed as ‘historic’, meaning non-infectious. The players are now isolating on the same floor as the remaining players who have tested negative.

All Pakistani players will once again be tested on December 9. Those who clear them will be eligible to train at the isolation facility in Christchurch. However, it will still be subject to approval from the Health Ministry.

“The PCB has been maintaining a close contact with the Pakistan team management in New Zealand and have kept them updated on the return to training process,” said a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“The management and the players are fully supportive of the process and keen to get back on to the field as soon as they are compliant with the New Zealand Government Rules.”

Earlier, the NZ Ministry of Health warned the Pakistan squad against breaching bio-secure protocols. The players were reportedly found guilty of sharing food, meeting in hallways and not wearing masks. It is understood that PCB CEO Wasim Khan had sent a stern reminder to the Pakistani team through an audio message.

Pakistan are set to play a three-match T20I series against New Zealand, starting December 18.