NZC cancels Plunket Shield amid Coronavirus outbreak; Wellington Firebirds crowned champions

Coronavirus outbreak has affected the daily living of every individual across the globe. The people now feared to keep their step outside their houses due to the same. The government officials have already said to take not take the current situation lightly and take precautions and follow guidelines that are being given by the World Health Organization (WHO). Now, there is a piece of news that New Zealand Cricket has cancelled their Plunket Sheild and has crowned Wellington as the champions, who were leading the points table.

COVID-19 has taken several lives and it is spreading globally at a very high rate. At the moment it looks pretty unstoppable as there is no vaccination available that can remove it from the roots. The researchers are giving their day in and out to find the solution but they have not got any recent success in their attempts to develop an aid for the affected ones.

The effects of Coronavirus are so adverse that global sports events have been cancelled or postponed in the wake of the virus’ outbreak. Even Indian Premier League (IPL) has also been postponed till mid-April. Now, Plunket Sheild is another addition in the list of the tournaments that got cancelled in the midway.

New Zealand Cricket takes a strong step due to COVID-19 pandemic 

David White, chief executive of New Zealand Cricket said that they are informed about the criticality. And, they not only have the responsibility of their players and staff. But, also of their community. Hence, in order to reduce the effects and causes of COVID-19, they have taken such a step.

“We’re informed the risk is very real; the pace of change is great – and we have a duty of care to not only our staff and players but our communities as well,” David White said as quoted by the Times of India.

After the cancellation of Plunket Sheild, Wellington Firebirds have been crowned as the champions. Firebirds were ahead of Central Stage by 26 points when New Zealand Cricket board took such a strong step.

He also added the fact that they have postponed their annual award ceremony until they get a positive update over COVID-19. “Hopefully, this is something we can stage at a later and more appropriate date – but at the moment it would be far too much of a risk to hold the event in a fortnight, as scheduled,” said David White.