Coronavirus outbreak: New Zealand cricketers in self-isolation after returning from Australia
New Zealand cricketers returned home from Australia and have gone into 14-day self-isolation due to coronavirus (COVID-19) fears
Auckland: Amidst the increasing cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), New Zealand cricketers have gone into 14-day self-isolation after they returned home from Australia.
The Kiwi cricketers were back home from Sydney, where they played the first ODI against Australia. New Zealand lost that game by 71 runs. It was played in front of an empty stadium.
Also read: South Africa cricketers in self-isolation
New Zealand team members have isolated themselves following a directive from country’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on March 18.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) public affairs manager Richard Boock told stuff.co.nz, “They (Black Caps players and touring staff) have all gone into self-isolation. We've passed on all the details about what self-isolation means and as far as we know they're all following it strictly.”
Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been put in isolation after complaining of sore throat. He his test result for coronavirus turned negative.
Recently, South Africa cricketers too went into 14-day self-isolation after they returned home from India. The three-ODI series was called off after the opening game was washed out in Dharamsala.
The ODI series between Australia and New Zealand was called off after the first game at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Many sports events have been either cancelled or rescheduled due to coronavirus.
In India, the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) has been deferred till April 15. It was to start on March 29 in Mumbai. Several New Zealand cricketers including captain Kane Williamson have IPL contracts.