Covid-19 toll of PAK cricketers reach 7, after another player test +ve

Christchurch:Another member of the Pakistan's touring contingent in New Zealand has tested positive for Covid-19, country's Health Ministry said on Saturday.

Six players - Sarfaraz Ahmed, Rohail Nazir, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Abid Ali and Danish Aziz had earlier returned positive results from the first tests conducted upon Pakistan's arrival in New Zealand on November 24.

The latest positive result came from the second batch of tests conducted on day three of the team's quarantine at a managed isolation facility in Christchurch. The identity of the squad member is not yet clear.''One additional member of the Pakistan squad has today tested positive during routine testing,'' the ministry said.

Meanwhile, all other tests conducted on day three have returned negative results. This doesn't include the six players who had already tested positive and assistant coach Shahid Aslam, who will join the squad in Christchurch after completing his 14-day quarantine in Auckland, Espncricinfo reported.

The squad will have to clear two more tests, on days six and 12 of their isolation, before being allowed to leave quarantine.Pakistan cricket team had sought an exemption to be allowed to train while in managed isolation, but that exemption is on hold pending investigation by medical authorities on its safety and feasibility.

Pakistan are due to play three T20Is on December 18, 20 and 22 in Auckland, Hamilton and Napier respectively, before playing two Tests in Mount Maunganui (December 26-30) and Christchurch (January 3-7).(UNI)