The double-centurian cricket sensation Fakhar Zaman got ruled out for his New Zealand cricket tour with a fever.

The decision to keep Fakhar Zaman out was taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board as, “keeping the health of the rest of the squad members as a top priority.”

According to the PCB’s statement, the Pakistan batsman is currently in isolation in the team hotel but has returned negative for COVID-19. The player contracted the virus earlier in June.

“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condition and remain hopeful of his quick recovery; however he is not fit to travel with the squad and as such has been withdrawn from the touring party.”

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