New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has made changes to the upcoming home international fixtures in order to reduce travel between venues following the concerns over the surge in Covid-19 cases in the country. Indian women's team are all set to play five ODIs and one T20I in Queenstown.
NZC chief executive David White mentioned that the venues have been shifted to make sure that the risks of Covid-19 infections are avoided he and added that various other factors have been considered in the decision making. He also stated that domestic flights and hotels are the peak of risks for the players.
“These risk mitigations are based on avoiding known COVID-19 hotspots, and include limiting air travel, limiting accommodation transfers and, essentially, operating in safer environments,” said White.
“We know the more domestic flights we have, and the more movement there is between hotels, the greater the chance of a match or even a series being put at risk. It’s a very difficult time for everyone,” he added.
Harmanpreet Kaur-led India will take on New Zealand in the limited-overs series starting February 9. The six-match tour will work as India's preparation for the upcoming ODI World Cup in March.
Also, the upcoming second Test between New Zealand and South Africa and the first two ODI’s between New Zealand again Australia have been taken out of Wellington. NZC have announced revised fixtures for the same.
Christchurch will now host both the Tests between the Proteas and the Kiwis, while their Trans-Tasman rivals Australia will be playing all their three ODIs in Napier.
The New Zealand side will also be hosting the Netherlands for one T20 international and three ODI’s. This series will be played at the Bay Oval .
Meanwhile, New Zealand Women’s series against India will be played solely in Queenstown from February 9 to February 24.
New Zealand’s revised schedule
WOMEN
New Zealand vs India: One T20I and five ODIs in Queenstown (Feb. 9-24)
MEN:
New Zealand vs South Africa: Two Tests in Christchurch (Feb 17-March 1)
New Zealand vs Australia: Three ODIs in Napier (March 17-20)
New Zealand vs Netherlands: One T20I and three ODIs in Mount Maunganui and Hamilton (March 25-April 4)
