The white-ball series between Australia and New Zealand was set to commence from 24 January 2022. The rubber contained three ODIs and only T20I in four different venues of Australia. However, the series has been postponed indefinitely due to new quarantine rules and border control of New Zealand.
New Zealand Cricket board (NZC) and Cricket Australia (CA) also planned of lengthening the series, but the government denied this request too.
“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,” Nick Hockley, CA CEO, said on Wednesday (January 19).”
“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.”
Unfortunately, we'll have to wait a little longer before resuming the rivalry with our mates over the ditch.
Cricket Australia will soon confirm the schedule for the Dettol T20I series with Sri Lanka. pic.twitter.com/83k46stNwY
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) January 19, 2022
NZC chief executive David White exclaimed: “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 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.”
As a result, the Kiwi players and staff are set to return home without playing a single game. Cricket Australia has also confirmed that the fans who purchased tickets for the games will be refunded.
The current T20 World Cup champions, Australia, are set to take on Sri Lanka now next month in their backyard. The series will contain five T20I matches. It will be a good source of preparation for the T20 World Cup later this year.
New Zealand, meanwhile, will lock horns against the Proteas in a two-match Test series. This series will be played in the Kiwi land.
The cricket boards of both nations, CA and NZC are in talks as to when this series can be played in future. For now, there is no clearance being provided. Australia, though, will play three T20Is against New Zealand in New Zealand in March this year.
