Fakhar Zaman Ruled Out Of NZ Tour After Developing Covid-19 Symptoms

Pakistan batsman Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the upcoming New Zealand tour as he is suffering from fever and had not recovered in time for the national squad's departure for the tour.

Fakhar was isolated in the team hotel in Lahore as soon as his condition was detected but has returned a negative Covid-19 test, informed Pakistan Cricket Board.

"Fakhar's Covid test report was received on Saturday which came out negative but today he picked up fever," team doctor Sohail Saleem said on Sunday evening as per a PCB media release.

"As soon as his condition was reported, he was isolated from the rest of the squad in the team hotel. We are constantly monitoring his condition and remain hopeful of his quick recovery; however he is not fit to travel with the squad and as such has been withdrawn from the touring party," he added.

Pakistan is scheduled to play three T20Is and two Tests on the tour starting from December 18. The tour will start with two four-day warm-up matches against New Zealand A from December 10.

The upcoming series against the Black Caps will also see Babar Azam, for the first time, lead the side in all formats. Shadab Khan has been named as Babar's deputy for the T20I series while Shoaib Malik.

New Zealand is currently preparing for the three-match T20I series against West Indies which begins this Friday. After that, both sides will also compete in a two-Test series.