Fakhar Zaman gestures during a match. File

Gulf Today Report

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman was ruled out of the forthcoming tour of New Zealand as a precautionary measure after he developed fever just few hours before the team’s departure on Monday, the country’s cricket board has announced.

Team doctor Sohail Saleem said that Fakhar tested negative for the coronavirus on Saturday but was isolated in the team hotel in Lahore after coming down with a fever.

"The decision to pullout Fakhar from the tour was made keeping the health of the rest of the squad members as a top priority," said a PCB release ahead of team's departure early Monday morning.

It added: "Zaman was isolated in the team hotel in Lahore as soon as his condition was detected and a PCB medical panel got in touch with him."

"Zaman's COVID-19 test report was received on Saturday which came out negative but today he picked up fever. We are constantly monitoring his condition and remain hopeful of his quick recovery; however he is not fit to travel with the squad," said the team doctor.

Since the squad is already larger than usual to counter COVID-19, no replacement will be announced. Zaman has so far played three Tests, 47 one-day internationals and 40 Twenty20 internationals for Pakistan.

Pakistan will complete 14-day mandatory quarantine after arrival and start the three-match Twenty20 international series at the Auckland's Eden Park on Dec. 18.

They also play two Tests on the tour.