Misbah says not being allowed to train hurt Pakistan's preparations in NZ.

ISLAMABAD -- Not being allowed to train in their managed isolation in Christchurch has affected Pakistan s preparation for the series against New Zealand, head coach Misbah-ul-Haq said on Sunday.

Eight members of the 53-strong Pakistan squad have tested positive for coronavirus since their arrival, prompting the New Zealand health ministry to revoke the tourists training exemption on Friday.

"Top professional athletes require a certain environment to prepare so that they can perform at the minimum expected levels" Misbah said in a statement after naming an 18-member squad for the three-match Twenty20 series set to begin in Auckland on Dec.18.

"While we completely respect and understand the New Zealand government laws. There is no denying the fact that the implementation of certain regulations has affected our athletes, both mentally and physically" Misbah, however, had no doubts that the tourists, currently undergoing a 14- day isolation period, would be ready to challenge New Zealand who thumped West Indies inside four days in a Hamilton test on...