On Thursday, the Pakistan Cricket Board stated that Mohammad Nawaz had contracted the virus and would undergo 10-day room isolation in the team hotel. His isolation period ends on September 19.
Pakistan has a three-match ODI series followed by a five-game T20I series against the Kiwis scheduled. The ODI matches begin on September 17, which means Nawaz will be ruled out for that match.
The all-rounder’s quarantine ends on September 19, and the remaining two ODIs take place on September 19 and September 21, respectively. So there’s a good chance that the 27-year-old misses the entire ODI series against New Zealand.
In the ideal scenario, the 27-year-old will recover from the virus and will be able to return to action after this 10-day quarantine. In that case, he will be available for selection for the T20Is at the very least and could also feature in the last ODI match if required.
As the all-rounder is a part of Pakistan’s T20I squad, coach Misbah ul-Haq will be eager to see him in action against NZ. All three ODI matches are scheduled in Rawalpindi on September 17, 19, and 21.
The squads will travel to Lahore for the five-match T20I series that will take place on September 25, 26, 29, October 1, and 3.
The New Zealand squad is currently in Bangladesh, where they have already lost a 5-match T20I series with one game left. Their team has some notable absentees like Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, who have opted to play in the second half of the Indian Premier League instead.
Pakistan will have a great chance to beat New Zealand at home in the build-up to the T20I World Cup, which is set to commence on October 17.
Both the stadiums will be open to 25% capacity for the matches against NZ. Spectators will have to carry proof of being fully vaccinated for them to be admitted into the premises. In Rawalpindi, 4500 fans will be allowed, while in Lahore, 5500 spectators will be permitted.
