Coronavirus outbreak: New Zealand cricket board cancelled Plunket Shield, Wellington declared winner

New Delhi, 16 March (HS): After affecting so many sports events all around the globe, Coronavirus and its effect is now shown on the New Zealand’s domestic tournament Plunket Shield.

On Monday, Cricket New Zealand issued an official statement announcing the cancellation of the tournament. After which the Wellington team, which was at the top of the league table, was declared the winner of the tournament.

The head of New Zealand cricket, David White, said the decision was taken following the medical advice. White said, “We have to take some necessary steps under the medical advice we have received. We are taking this decision keeping in mind the health of our cricket family and the spectators.”

The New Zealand board has recently called back the team and canceled the ODI series against Australia. Apart from this, the award ceremony of New Zealand Cricket, which was to be held on 30 March, has also been canceled.

White said of the award ceremony, “Hopefully the award ceremony can be held but for the moment it will be a risk. We have to protect the health of our players, spectators and officials and that is our first priority as well.

Due to Coronavirus, more than one and a half million people are infected worldwide and more than 6000 people have died due to it.