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Auckland’s COVID lockdown saw New Zealand Cricket (NZC) quickly move its scheduled T20 international doubles for Eden Park on Friday in Wellington where they will be played that day without a crowd.
Saturday night, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced Auckland will return to level 3 for seven days, during his press conference at 9 p.m. No sport can be organized at level 3.
NZC is offering a full refund to anyone who cannot see the internationals, who have fallen victim to the global pandemic, he said.
And on Saturday, the America’s Cup was to host the long-awaited race between Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa. It would seem unlikely that the event could go as planned.
America’s Cup organizers said they “have an overview of the situation, and will work with relevant authorities and agencies over the next few days to work out the implications.”
In the Prada Cup, a government exemption was required to run. Racing is possible at level 2, with crowd restrictions. In the rest of New Zealand – which will be upgraded to level two, crowds are bypassed for seven days.
The lockdown has transformed the homeless rugby Blues in their own country. After his team beat the Hurricanes 31-16 in WellingtonBlues coach Leon MacDonald told reporters the team will not be returning to Auckland as they cannot train below Level 3.
No alternative basis has been outlined. The Blues do not have a game next weekend.
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The New Zealand track and field championships which were due to be held in Hastings next weekend were called off shortly after the Prime Minister’s announcement. Auckland is an athletic powerhouse and number restrictions made it impossible to hold the event.
Australia were due to play the Black Caps at Eden Park on Friday at 7 p.m., with the White Ferns facing the powerful England side at 3 p.m.
Australia are in Wellington to play the Black Caps at Sky Stadium on Wednesday. Friday’s double title would be played in the same arena.
Tauranga’s cricket double header scheduled for Sunday would go ahead as planned, “presumably without a crowd,” NZC said.
In Super Rugby Aotearoa, the Chiefs face the Highlanders in Hamilton on Friday, while the Crusaders host the Hurricanes on Saturday.
Netball tests between the Silver Ferns and the Australian Diamonds are scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Only the last of these games can have a crowd.
– This article originally appeared on stuff.co.nz and is reprinted with permission
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