Pakistan’s cricket tour to New Zealand is in jeopardy after many players were found violating the COVID-19 protocols in the country with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) CEO Wasim Khan reportedly warning the players that if rules are not followed the entire team will be sent back home. This could spell more financial trouble for the PCB which already finds itself in losses.
In a WhatsApp voice note sent by Wasim Khan to Pakistan players on Thursday (November 26), Khan says that the “final warning” was given by both New Zealand Cricket Board and its government after six Pakistan players tested positive for the coronavirus on arriving in the country and “it will be embarrassing” if anything further happens.
He said, “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.”
Under normal circumstances, players are free to go where they choose. In the wake of the Wuhan virus pandemic, special steps have been taken to ensure that the virus does not spread and the players stay in a bubble.
However, closed-circuit television footage showed some members of the Pakistan squad violating these strict protocols on the very first day of managed isolation, states the report.
“Please guys, I know it’s difficult, it’s very tough, but do stay disciplined and follow through the protocols … they will not compromise on health and safety in New Zealand, so please adhere to it,” Khan told his players.
India is right now on a long tour to Australia where similar restrictions have been applied. Pakistan cricket team is scheduled to play three T20s and two Tests in New Zealand and before they embarked on this tour, each player was reportedly tested four times and all tested negative.