New Zealand’s latest quarantine-forced sporting cancellation has cost the country’s young cricketers a spot at next year’s Under-19 World Cup.
For the first time in the tournament’s history, New Zealand won’t be involved after the sport’s governing body decided against submitting young players to quarantine (MIQ) on their return home.
New Zealand is one of the few nations still insisting on quarantining all international arrivals, including fully vaccinated Kiwi citizens.
A New Zealand Cricket (NZC) spokesman told AAP it had “concerns of forcing young players (sometimes as young as 16) to undergo managed isolation”.
“This was a decision made by NZC alone and, although disappointing, one we feel was appropriate in the current environment,” the spokesman said.
The border rules have prevented many sporting teams from competing in New Zealand, and other athletes from competition.
Greg Murphy and Richie Stanaway had to abandon their effort to compete in this year’s Bathurst 1000 as they were unsure whether they’d be able to return home after the event.
Jacinda Ardern’s government has pledged to move to a home isolation model in the first quarter of 2022, but is yet to provide details or a clearer timeline.
The opposition has seized on the failure as “yet another example of the misery that MIQ causes”.
“The U19 team provides a critical pathway for our most talented young cricketers, and alumni of the team include Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, and Tim Southee, all of whom competed at a World Cup,” opposition spokesman Chris Bishop said.
Instead of touring the Caribbean, a development side will travel New Zealand to play second-string domestic men’s outfits this summer.
Scotland is taking New Zealand’s place in the 16-team World Cup.
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
Who says politics doesn't inhibit sport? To still be locking people up when they have to have a test and be vaxxed to travel internationally is about political and bureaucratic failure, not protection against a virus. Especially one which isn't killing Under 30's without comorbidities! The virus will eventually be a complete non factor to everyday life. Political incompetents and incompetence will stillbe prevalent, sadly!
Bluddy L Arry
Guest
Would you expect any less from that horrible little gr ub running the place. Political showboating 101.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Or home quarantine for 1 week. We know now - if you catch it overseas, you won't test negative for a week and then suddenly test positive.
Tony
Roar Guru
Yep. Takes 15 minutes for the test to be completed
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Right. So an instant is actually 15 minutes?
Tony
Roar Guru
Crazy. I had an instant (15 minutes) test when visiting a friend in aged care last week. Simple.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Too simple, apparently.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
What's wrong with simple covid test upon arrival.
The PTA has disbanded
Guest
Still insisting on quarantine when you have Covid circulating widely in the community, and you've transitioned to a "living with Covid" strategy, and the returnees are required to be fully vaccinated has to be one of the most moronic decisions a leader can make.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Gee that's disappointing for a nation who have some momentum at the moment with heightened interest in cricket and bringing through next generation players.