Australia’s T20 series tour to New Zealand has been called off as there were no isolation quarantine spots available for the visitors. The three-match T20 series has been called off. The border concerns have also been a major problem for the Trans-Tasman rivalry to happen.
Border controls were also a major issue to cancel off the series as both the teams arranged the series believing that the government would relax the restrictions at the border for the series to play in Napier. Napier would still be witnessing international cricket as the New Zealand vs Netherworld T20 game on March 25 has been shifted from Tauranga’s Bay Oval to McLean Park.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White believes that the ‘Omicron virus’ has made it tough and has changed situations at the border to allow the teams to continue with the series. The remaining schedule remains unchanged for team New Zealand as the NZW have started their series against INDW on Wednesday while men’s series against South Africa and Netherlands are scheduled without any changes. The women’s 50-over World Cup remains unaffected by the border concerns.
ICYMI | New Zealand Cricket and @CricketAus have agreed to abandon the BLACKCAPS upcoming T20 mini-series, scheduled to be played in Napier next month. #NZvAUS https://t.co/yxQQK1Jwp0
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 9, 2022
The T20 series was set to begin along with the Test series in Pakistan for team Australia as the scheduled dates were March 17-20 for the T20 games in Napier. T20 champions Australia will now be facing New Zealand directly in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as the Trans-Tasman rivalry will be witnessed on the opening day of the Super 12 games in the upcoming ICC tournament.
The three-game series has been cancelled due to New Zealand's border controls and quarantine requirements.
We look forward to seeing the Trans-Tasman rivalry resume when we meet New Zealand in the #T20WorldCup opener later this year. pic.twitter.com/4ymaQxXHsq
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) February 8, 2022
