Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq claims the stringent COVID-19 protocols in New Zealand have affected his team's preparations for this month's Twenty20 series against the Black Caps.
Since arriving in New Zealand last month, six Pakistan players have tested positive. This has resulted in the entire 54-member squad and support staff forced into managed isolation and denied permission to train in groups.
"I want to compliment my players and the management team for their patience, sacrifices and the hardships they have endured to ensure they not only lead the safe resumption of international cricket during the COVID-19 pandemic since the series in England but also try to give their best every time they step on the field," Misbah said in a media statement, released by the Pakistan Cricket Board on Sunday.
"Top professional athletes require a certain environment to prepare so that they can perform at the minimum expected levels every time they represent their countries."
Misbah said that the Pakistan contingent respects and understands the New Zealand government's procedures, but "there is no denying the fact that the implementation of certain regulations has affected our athletes, both mentally and physically prior to an international series."