West Indies team banned from training after breaching quarantine protocols in New Zealand

The West Indies and New Zealand are scheduled to go up against each other for a T20I series beginning on November 27. It would be followed by a Test series, and all the action would take place on the Kiwi’s soil. The Caribbean team has already landed in the foreign land, to begin with its mandatory quarantine period. In the latest turn of events, some of the West Indies players have violated some rules and regulations of the quarantine.

As per the reports of authorities, they will not be allowed to train in managed isolation in New Zealand after they have been caught breaching the quarantine code of conduct. Security footage from the hotel of Christchurch revealed players “mingling and sharing food.” The New Zealand Ministry of Health has shared the latest information about the players with a news agency in a statement.

Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield stated that the team was given relaxation from 14-day quarantine rules, which apply to members of the public because of being a touring sport side. “It is a privilege to come here, but in return, they have to stick to the rules. Keeping COVID-19 out of our communities and keeping our staff safe depends on it. They didn’t do that, despite agreeing to abide by the parameters of the exemption,” Dr. Bloomfield said as quoted by The Telegraph.

West Indies squad under isolation of 12 days

The squad which is currently under an isolation period of 12 days is supposed to get tested again for COVID-19 on Wednesday. Their quarantine period can be stretched if there are any concerns related to their health. Ministry also stated that they were in process of “discussing next steps” with the New Zealand cricket team as they would flag off their tournament on November 27 in Auckland.

The COVID-19 measures and guidelines are being dealt too seriously by officials of all the countries. Every cricketing action in the post COVID world is organized under the strict protocols laid by the ICC. The authorities have also been strict with the players if there is any breaching of the norms. The recently concluded IPL 2020 also took place inside a bio-secure bubble in UAE.