Australia vs New Zealand T20 series has been abandoned due to border restrictions

The T20I series between Australia and New Zealand has been abandoned due to the ongoing travel restrictions between the trans-Tasman neighbors. The T20I series was scheduled to be played in Napier next month.

The three-match series was set to take place at McLean Park in Napier between March 17 and 20. However, the COVID-enforced restrictions at the New Zealand border have meant Cricket Australia (CA) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) mutually calling off the mini-series.

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"The short, four-day-long series, set down for McLean Park, Napier on March 17, 18 and 20. It was initially arranged on the basis of the New Zealand Government's plan to relax restrictions at the trans-Tasman border. However, with those plans now substantially delayed. No MIQ (Managed Isolation and Quarantine) accommodation available for the Australian side on their scheduled arrival into New Zealand, NZC has been given no choice but to abandon the series."

A statement issued by New Zealand Cricket said on Wednesday

"As a consequence of this (and given the cancellations would have left the Hawke's Bay region with a substantially reduced international program) the BLACKCAPS-Netherlands T20 on March 25, previously scheduled for Bay Oval, Tauranga, will now be played at Napier's McLean Park," the statement added.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said the move was inevitable given the border restrictions

"At the time we scheduled the visit there was a lot of hope that the trans-Tasman border would be open for those who met the right criteria. However, the advent of Omicron has, unfortunately, changed everything at the border. And has made it impossible for us to continue with the series. It's disappointing -- but we know it's the same for businesses and individuals and other sports. We're grateful for the international schedule we have."

David White said

White added the series was a late addition to New Zealand's summer schedule.

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"We thank NZ Cricket for making every effort to host the series. But unfortunately it wasn't possible given the border restrictions and quarantine requirements."

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said

New Zealand is currently gearing up for a two-Test series against South Africa at home. Meanwhile, Australia will travel to Pakistan for a Test and limited-overs series next month.