Pakistan tour of New Zealand 2020-21

Opener Fakhar Zaman was on Monday ruled out of Pakistan's tour of New Zealand after having developed a fever ahead of the team's departure.

The batsman, however, has tested negative for COVID-19, but was still ruled out as a precautionary measure, Pakistan Cricket Board said.

"The decision to withdraw Fakhar from the tour was made keeping the health of the rest of the squad members as a top priority," the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement on Sunday.

The left-hander is now isolating in the team hotel in Lahore after coming down with a fever.

"Fakhar's COVID test report was received on Saturday which came out negative but today he picked up fever. As soon as his condition was reported, he was isolated from the rest of the squad in the team hotel," said Sohail Saleem, the team doctor.

"We are constantly monitoring his condition and remain hopeful of his quick recovery; however he is not fit to travel with the squad and as such has been withdrawn from the touring party," he added.

Pakistan will play three T20Is and two Tests against New Zealand, starting December 18. The tour will begin with two four-day warm-up games against New Zealand A.