West Indies players barred from training after breaching quarantine rules in New Zealand

Wellington:The New Zealand Ministry of Health on Wednesday said that West Indies men's cricket team, who were provided certain exemptions from managed isolation rules, would be denied further training privileges after breaking managed isolation rules at their Christchurch facility. 

Notably, the West Indies team, who is scheduled to play New Zealand's Black Caps is in the managed isolation facility at the Chateau on the Park in Christchurch. 

"Following an investigation, members of the team were confirmed to have repeatedly broken managed isolation rules. Many of these incidents have been captured on CCTV and have also been reported by staff. The incidents include groups mingling and sharing food. It's important to note that all incidents occurred within the hotel facility and there is no risk to the public," the ministry said. 

Earlier, NZ Cricket (NZC) in a statement on Tuesday had said that it was made aware that "some members" of the team had breached protocols. "These incidents included some players compromising bubble integrity by sharing food, and socialising in hallways".

However, it said there was no indication that any of the members left the facility or any unauthorised person accessed it.

Players were due to be tested on Wednesday for the second time since their arrival in New Zealand. If the tests are negative, the team may be allowed to leave isolation on Friday and travel to Queenstown for two warm-up matches against New Zealand A. 

"As with other sports teams that have come to New Zealand, the West Indies cricket team were given certain exemptions from the managed isolation rules which apply to everyone else. This included being able to be in larger bubbles and train in preparation for their international games," Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said.

Dr Bloomfield said it was a privilege to come here but in return they had 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Dr Bloomfield said the team's exemption had been revoked and the team would spend the remainder of their time in managed isolation and they would not be able to train.

"Evidence will be provided to Cricket West Indies to conduct its own investigation, and any disciplinary action it may consider appropriate," he said.

The West Indies will face New Zealand in three T20Is, starting on Nov 27 and two tests beginning on December 3.(UNI)