Pakistan cricket team departs for NZ without Fakhar Zaman

The Pakistan cricket team departed for their month-long tour of New Zealand in the wee hours of Monday. Upon arrival, the team will enter a two-week quarantine period in Lincoln in line with the New Zealand government’s COVID-19 protocols.

🇵🇰 ✈ 🇳🇿#HarHaalMainCricket #NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/NUqmTb4gPK

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 23, 2020

Next stop, New Zealand.#PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/MLddJaicdd

— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) November 22, 2020

The 54-member squad includes 34 players and 20 officials.

Pakistan is scheduled to play three T20Is and two Tests during the tour. The T20 matches will be played on December 18, 20 and 22 whereas the two Test matches are scheduled to be played on December 26 and January 3.

According to details, the squad will be in isolation for the first three days after arriving in NZ. After the first phase of COVID-19 testing, the players will be divided into groups and all activities, including training, will continue in those respective groups.

During quarantine, there will be three rounds of COVID-19 tests and after 14 days, the squad will be allowed to move around freely.

Pakistan and Pakistan Shaheens are on the way to New Zealand. All the best boys! ⭐🦅#HarHaalMainCricket pic.twitter.com/6mhwcAo76E

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 23, 2020

Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the tour to New Zealand after showing symptoms of COVID-19 before the squad’s departure. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in a press release, confirmed that Fakhar has fever and is yet to recover in time for the Pakistan squad’s departure for the tour.

The board said the decision to withdraw Fakhar from the tour was made keeping the health of the rest of the squad members as a top priority.

“Fakhar has been isolated in the team hotel in Lahore as soon as his condition was detected and the PCB’s medical panel is now monitoring him,” stated PCB.

Earlier on November 11, Head Coach Misbah-ul-Haq had announced the 35-player squad for Pakistan’s tour to New Zealand.