Australia tour of New Zealand for three T20Is called off
Australia tour of New Zealand for three T20Is called off
Australia tour of New Zealand that was scheduled next month has been called off, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed on Wednesday.
The match between AUS and NZ has been called off
The series comprised of three T20Is and was being held as a part of the New Zealand government’s plan to ease restrictions at the Trans-Tasman borders. However, the decision to prolong the relaxation forced the scrapping of the series.
The series was going to be the first face-off between Australia and New Zealand after the finals of the T20 World Cup finals. Australia had defeated the Black Caps on their triumph to the maiden T20 World Cup title.
New Zealand’s tour of Australia was also called off last week due to the same reason behind the scrapping of Australia’s tour to New Zealand.
“At the time we scheduled the visit, there was a lot of hope that the trans-Tasman border would be open for those who met the right criteria.
“However, the advent of Omicron has, unfortunately, changed everything at the border and has made it impossible for us to continue with the series.
“It’s disappointing – but we know it’s the same for businesses and individuals and other sports, and we’re grateful for the international schedule we have”, CA chief executive Nick Hockley said.
Most of Australia’s top multi-format players were named in the squad to tour Pakistan on Tuesday, ruling them out of the New Zealand trip. Therefore, Australia planned to send an understaffed team to New Zealand.
“We thank NZ Cricket for making every effort to host the series, but unfortunately, it wasn’t possible given the border restrictions and quarantine requirements,” Hockley added.
Meanwhile, Australia named the squad for the Pakistan tour, which will begin with the first Test on March 4. The series will comprise of three Tests, as many ODIs and one-off T20I.