Six Pakistan cricketers test positive for Covid-19, NZC says protocol breach by visitors

Christchurch: Six touring Pakistan cricketers have tested positive for Covid-19 here, New Zealand Cricket announced on Thursday, alleging a breach of the bio-secure protocol by the visitors who will not be allowed to train while in quarantine for the time being.

Pakistan squad, led by Babar Azam, arrived in New Zealand on Tuesday and is serving a mandatory 14-day quarantine period as per Covid-19 protocol.

"Two of these six results have been deemed 'historical'; four have been confirmed as new," NZC said in a statement without revealing the names of the players who have tested positive for the dreaded virus.

Pakistan is here for three T20 Internationals and two Tests. The series begins December 18 in Auckland.

"As a consequence, the Pakistan team's exemption to train while in managed isolation has been put on hold until investigations have been completed," the NZC stated.

The home board also spoke of a protocol breach but did not specify the exact nature of it.

At least 10 Pakistan cricketers had tested positive for Covid-19 before the team's England tour earlier this year.