Dubai:The remaining two ODIs of the ongoing Chappell-Hadlee series have been called off, while Australia’s upcoming three-match T20I series in New Zealand has been postponed indefinitely amid COVID-19 outbreak, CA and NZC stated on Saturday.
The first ODI of the series was played on Friday behind closed doors, but the New Zealand government has since announced a mandatory 14-day self-isolation period for those entering its borders from certain countries affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, a list that includes Australia.
The enforcement comes into effect at midnight on Sunday, 15 March (10pm Saturday in Sydney), meaning the Black Caps will look to leave for home on Saturday.
The final two ODIs, which were to be played in Sydney and Hobart on 15 March and 20 March respectively, have as a result been called off, while the T20I leg of the series, to be hosted by New Zealand later this month, has been postponed. Both Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket expressed hope that series can be played at a later date.
“NZC believes both these series can be replayed in their entirety at a later and more appropriate date,” the board stated in its release. “NZC understands and supports the government’s position. This is a time of unprecedented risk and peril, and the personal health and well-being of our players is paramount.”