Pakistan not yet been allowed to begin training in New Zealand as 8th member tests COVID-19 positive

Pakistan have not yet been allowed to train in New Zealand ahead of their T20I series, starting December 18 as another member of the touring party has tested positive for Covid-19. New Zealand's Ministry of Health confirmed on Wednesday that a total of 8 Pakistan members have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

The new case was confirmed in Caterbury where three cases were being examined. Two of them are still to be determined. The ministry has not named the person who has returned a positive test.

Two of the 8 confirmed cases for COVID-19 have been deemed "historic" and not infectious, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) saying those players are in isolation in the facility as are the other members of the squad who have tested



negative.

Players likely to be allowed to leave managed isolation after another round of tests

The PCB, which has not identified those who tested positive, said all those who return negative tests are expected to be able to train in managed isolation. After another round of testing on Sunday, all the players who clear the 14-day health check will be allowed to leave the managed isolation facility.

"The PCB has been maintaining close contact with the Pakistan team management in New Zealand and have kept them updated on the return to training process," Pakistan said in a statement.

"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."