Pakistan remains restricted from training in New Zealand as 3 more players contract COVID

After arriving in New Zealand with a humongous squad, problems for Pakistani squad continue to ratchet, with team t being allowed to train by authorities even after a week. 54-member strong squad has been struck hard by COVID-19 and breach of protocols, which has even earned m a stringent warning from New Zealand government. On Tuesday, results of day 6 swab test results of 46 players came out and it has been learnt that three players still remain under investigation. 

Authorities have reported that 42 players returned negative, however, it is yet to be determined wher three cases are historical or have been infected freshly. While New Zealand media has reported that se 3 players in contention have tested positive for virus, if so, total number of players to have contracted virus reaches 10, with 7 of m being infected previously. Pakistan cricket team is in New Zealand for a tour starting on December 18 with a 3-match T20I series and a 2-match Test series, ending on January 7.

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" team is t allowed to train until Canterbury DHB medical officer of health determines y are satisfied that any training activities are unlikely to transmit COVID-19," said New Zealand's health ministry in an official statement on Tuesday. 

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Previously, New Zealand's director-general of health Dr. Ashley Bloomfield had slammed Pakistan for t respecting guidelines set by authorities. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Wasim Khan also confirmed development and asked Pakistan squad to strictly follow SOPs. Khan said that PCB has been informed by New Zealand Cricket about three to four violations of SOPs, which is why y have asked team to abide by rules and regulations and make sure that such a thing does t happen in future. 

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He added that New Zealand Cricket has also said that entire Pakistan squad will be sent back home if re are any or violations. Khan reckoned that if such a thing happens, it will be very embarrassing for Pakistan cricket which is why y have margin for error w.

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