The Blackcaps' home Twenty20 international series against Australia has been cancelled.
The three-match series - scheduled for McLean Park, Napier on March 17, 18 and 20 - was initially arranged on the basis of the NZ Government’s plan to relax restrictions at the trans-Tasman border.
But with those plans now substantially delayed, and no MIQ accommodation available for the Australian side on their scheduled arrival into New Zealand, NZ Cricket says it has been given no choice but to abandon the series.
As a result, the Blackcaps's T20 against the Netherlands on March 25 has been relocated from Tauranga's Bay Oval to McLean Park to ensure Napier gets a taste of international cricket this summer.
NZC chief executive David White says the cancellation was inevitable given the restrictions at the border.
"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," says White.
"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, and we're grateful for the international schedule we have."
The rest off the summer schedule will continue as planned, White confirms.
The Blackcaps will be back in action for the first of two tests against South Africa on February 17.
