After eight players of Pakistan tested positive for the coronavirus, New Zealand had exempted them from training during the quarantine. Pakistan’s head coach Misbah-ul-Haq has complained that not being allowed to train in their managed isolation in Christchurch has affected Pakistan’s preparation for the series against New Zealand.
Pakistan had arrived in New Zealand on November 23, and since then, they are under strict quarantine. But despite being in isolation, the number of players testing positive for the coronavirus grew from six to eight. And thus, it forced New Zealand health authorities to halt their practice sessions.
The regulations has affected our athletes, both mentally and physically: Misbah-ul-Haq
Misbah-ul-Haq acknowledged that the New Zealand government was right on their part but to get his boys ready for international cricket, they should have been allowed for at least practice sessions. He also added that being confined in the four walls for the whole day is taking a toll on the mental while also the physical health of their players.
“Top professional athletes require a certain environment to prepare so that they can perform at the minimum expected levels…” Misbah-ul-Haq said in a statement after naming an 18-member squad for the three-match Twenty20 series set to begin in Auckland on Saturday.
“While we completely respect and understand the New Zealand government laws … there is no denying the fact that the implementation of certain regulations has affected our athletes, both mentally and physically…”
However, Misbah mentions that they would be ready to challenge New Zealand who thumped West Indies inside four days in a Hamilton Test on Sunday.
“…when we will leave the isolation facility in the next day or two, we will try to put all this behind us and focus on the challenge of facing New Zealand in both the formats,” Misabh-ul-Haq added.
Pakistan has announced an 18-men squad for the three-match T20I series which will be played from December 18-22.