The remaining two ODIs from the ongoing Chappell-Hadlee series have been canceled, while Australia’s upcoming three-game T20I series in New Zealand has been postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 outbreak, CA and NZC said on Saturday, March 14. With.
The first ODI in the series was played behind closed doors on Friday, but the New Zealand government has since announced a mandatory 14-day self-isolation period for those who reach their borders from certain countries affected by the Covid 19 pandemic, including Australia.
JUST IN: The ongoing #AUSvNZ ODI series and Australia's upcoming away series in New Zealand have both been postponed amid growing COVID-19 concerns. pic.twitter.com/XNx29nwsdH
— ICC (@ICC) March 14, 2020
Enforcement takes effect on Sunday, March 15th, at midnight (Saturday, 10:00 p.m. in Sydney) at midnight, which means the black caps will go home on Saturday.
The last two ODIs, scheduled to be played in Sydney and Hobart on March 15th and 20th were subsequently canceled, while the T20I leg of the series, which is to be moderated by New Zealand later this month, was postponed. Both Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket expressed hope that the series could be played at a later date.
“NZC believes that both series can be fully reproduced at a later and more appropriate time,” the board said in its press release. “NZC understands and supports the government’s position. This is a time of unprecedented risks and dangers, and the personal health and well-being of our players is paramount.”
