The upcoming ODI and T20 series between Australia and New Zealand has been postponed indefinitely amid growing concerns from the touring nation due to the recent spike in COVID cases internationally.
The Black Caps were poised to make the cross-Tasman venture ahead of the first ODI on January 30, however New Zealand quarantine and border control restrictions have placed some doubt on the Kiwis being able to adequately return home.
After further assessment into initially expanding the Chappell-Hadlee series, both nations have agreed to postpone the series for the foreseeable future.
“As we now know, the advent of Omicron prompted a change of strategy from the Government, resulting in a hard 10-day mandatory isolation period being imposed on all incoming travellers,” NZC chief executive David White said in a statement on Wednesday.
“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.
“But we received advice this morning that they could not provide certainty over this, either.”
Australia were set to host three ODI fixtures and one T20 clash between next Sunday and February 8 before venturing to New Zealand for a three-match T20 series in mid-March.
That series is also under consideration to be postponed or changed, with current border complications placing Australia in a similar situation to their New Zealand counterparts in having to undergo 10 days of quarantine prior to the series.
Suggestions of bringing that T20 series to Australian shores had been floated, however recent developments from the New Zealand government have brought any immediate plans to a halt.
New Zealand's quarantine restrictions could change by March, however no guarantees have been made, leaving both nations with few options between January and the end of March.
