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Chappell-Hadlee series cancelled due to Kiwi quarantine concerns

19th January, 2022
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19th January, 2022
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The cricket calendar has been hit again by COVID issues with the Australia vs New Zealand Chappell-Hadlee series postponed indefinitely.

There was no issue with the New Zealand team coming out to Australia for the ODIs which were due to commence on January 30 but getting back home after the T20s was another matter.

New Zealand currently has strict rules in place with a mandatory 10-day quarantine for any arrivals into the country.

New Zealand Cricket failed to book places in quarantine in time – which remains compulsory for all arrivals in New Zealand – for its players, believing the border laws would have been scrapped in time for the tour.

“As we now know, the advent of Omicron prompted a change of heart from the NZ Government, resulting in a hard 10-day mandatory isolation period being imposed on all incoming travellers,” NZC chief executive David White said.

“NZC and CA had explored a proposal to expand the tour and to push out the date on which the squad might return to New Zealand in the hope that might be more achievable for the Government.

“Unfortunately, we received advice this morning that they could not provide certainty over this.”

At this stage, Australia’s tour to New Zealand is going ahead in March but it’s a blow to Cricket Australia that the white ball part of the international summer has once again been affected.

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Broadcaster Fox Sports had exclusive rights to the white ball international matches and will no doubt be seeking some sort of compensation as a result of missing out on that advertising revenue.

Cricket Australia said it will confirm the schedule for the T20 Internationals against Sri Lanka in coming days.

“We are extremely disappointed that we won’t be able to play the scheduled matches against New Zealand as planned, however we will continue to work with New Zealand Cricket to reschedule the series, Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said.

“We thank NZC, who made every effort to make the series happen, however because they were unable to get certainty over return quarantine arrangements, it is simply just not possible at this time.

“We know fans will be disappointed and thank them for their understanding given the unique circumstances that the global pandemic presents for everyone.

“We look forward to welcoming Sri Lanka to Australia next month and will confirm the schedule for that series as soon as possible.”

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