Fakhar Zaman sidelined from New Zealand tour after showing COVID-19 symptoms

Fakhar Zaman, the Pakistan batsman, won’t be a part of the upcoming tour of New Zealand after he showed symptoms of COVID-19. On Saturday, November 21, Fakhar’s report came as negative, but on Sunday, November 22, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that the southpaw has a fever and is yet to recover before the team’s departure for New Zealand on Monday.

For the time being, Fakhar has been isolated in the team hotel in Lahore and decision to leave him out was made, keeping in mind the well-being of the other players. 34 players and 15 officials, who are part of the senior and A squads, were set to leave on Monday for Auckland via Dubai. On Saturday, all the players were tested negative after they got together in Lahore.

Fakhar Zaman being monitored

“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,” a PCB official was quoted as saying in Times Now.

“Fakhar’s COVID test report was received on Saturday which came out negative but today he picked up fever. As soon as his condition was reported, he was isolated from the rest of the squad in the team hotel.

“We are constantly monitoring his condition and remain hopeful of his quick recovery; however, he is not fit to travel with the squad and as such has been withdrawn from the touring party,” the official added.

Upon reaching New Zealand, the players and officials will have to serve a 14-day quarantine period. Thereafter, they will be allowed to go out of the bio-security bubble since New Zealand is a nation, free of coronavirus.

Pakistan are set to play three T20Is and two Tests, starting December 18. Auckland, Hamilton, Napier, Mount Maunganui and Christchurch are the hosts for the international matches. Prior to that, Pakistan A will also take part in two four-day tour matches against New Zealand A in Queenstown and Whangarei respectively.

As far as Fakhar is concerned, he has prior experience of playing in New Zealand. In three Tests, 47 ODIs and 40 T20Is, the 30-year-old has 192, 1960 and 838 runs respectively.