Ireland's tour of NZ and Pakistan postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic

Cricket Ireland has officially postponed their home series against New Zealand and Pakistan on the wake of the COVID-19 ...

By Lokmat English Desk | Published: May 15, 2020 03:43 PM2020-05-15T15:43:46+5:302020-05-15T15:44:12+5:30

Ireland's tour of NZ and Pakistan postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic | Ireland's tour of NZ and Pakistan postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic

Ireland's tour of NZ and Pakistan postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic

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Cricket Ireland has officially postponed their home series against New Zealand and Pakistan on the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The series against New Zealand was to consist of 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is between June 19 and July 2, 2020; whereas Pakistan were set to play 2 T20Is in Dublin between July 12 and 14, 2020. "It had become fairly obvious following the recent series of Government announcements in the Republic and UK that the New Zealand series was not feasible," said Warren Deutrom, Chief Executive of Cricket Ireland. 

"New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have contacted us to inform us that they could not travel. While of course, it's disappointing for the fans in Northern Ireland, who I know were looking forward to the visit of the World Cup runners-up, given the circumstances we entirely understand NZC was left with no choice but to stay at home." Furthermore, due to the phase-wise lockdown in Ireland, it has become impossible for them to host Pakistan for the brief T20I series between July 12 and 14. The current lockdown in Ireland has been extended to May 18, and the series against Pakistan clashes with Phase 3 of the lockdown in Ireland, which extends up to July 19. "With the Irish Government announcement on 1 May, it automatically became impossible to host the matches in Dublin on the scheduled dates." said Deutrom.

Concurring with Cricket Ireland's stand, Wasim Khan, Chief Executive of Pakistan Cricket Board, said "We fully respect and endorse Cricket Ireland's decision at this difficult time. As we have all reiterated, the safety and security of players, officials and fans come first." Cricket Ireland has also confirmed that they are working on a draft of a "Safe Return to Cricket" policy, which details the gradual resumption of activity in the cricketing realm, aligning with the phase-wise lockdown currently in progress in Ireland. Furthermore, Deutrom stressed that the regulations were even more vital in team sports, as opposed to individual sports.

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