The dreaded Coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic has greatly affected the sports world, but all the players and cricket boards are moving forward with special attention to safety measures. Meanwhile, shocking news has emerged. Six members of Pakistan's touring squad, who reached New Zealand have tested positive for novel coronavirus, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) informed on Thursday. The players have been kept in managed isolation in Christchurch.


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Not only this, New Zealand cricket has accused the touring Pakistan squad "contravened protocols on the first day of managed isolation" and now they will have to stay in isolation for some time. The Pakistan cricket team, led by Babar Azam, has reached New Zealand to play three T20 and two Test matches.


"Two of these six results have been deemed "historical"; four have been confirmed as new," NZC stated in a media release.



"This means that, in line with the protocols governing the squad's entry into New Zealand, the six members of the squad will be moved to the quarantine arm of the managed isolation facility," it added.


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Following the development, Pakistani cricket commentator Ramiz Raja wished a speedy recovery to the players but also questioned that why did the local testing failed to red flag the Pakistani players even after being regularly tested.


"Wishing a speedy recovery to the 6 Pak team members who have tested positive. However, it begs the question that why did the local testing failed to red flag them even after being regularly tested? Clearly the development has thrown the teams preparation into turmoil." Raja wrote on social media.



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Prior to leaving Lahore, all members of the Pakistan touring squad had returned negative results on the four occasions they were tested.

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"Separately, NZC has also been made aware that some members of the Pakistan team had contravened protocols on the first day of managed isolation. We will be having discussions with the tourists to assist them in understanding the requirements," NZC stated.

"NZC considers public health and safety to be paramount in the hosting of international teams, and is supportive of the Ministry of Health and Government position," it added.