Aucklands COVID lockdown has seen New Zealand Cricket (NZC) swiftly move its T20 international doubleheaders scheduled for Eden Park on Friday, to Wellington where they will be played that day without crowds.
On Saturday night Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced Auckland would return to level 3 for seven days, at her 9pm press conference. No sport can be held at level 3.
NZC is offering full refunds for all those unable to see the internationals, which have fallen victim to the world pandemic, it said.
And on Saturday the Americas Cup was due to hold the much-awaited race one between Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa. It would seem unlikely that event can proceed as scheduled.
Team New Zealand’s Te Rehutai during testing a week out from the first race in the America’s Cup.
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Americas Cup organisers said they were previewing the situation, and will be working with the authorities and relevant agencies over the next few days to work through the implications.
In the Prada Cup, a Government exemption was required to race. Racing is possible at level 2, with crowd restrictions. Over the rest of New Zealand which will move to level two, crowds are ruled out for seven days.
Blues coach Leon MacDonald.
The lockdown has turned rugbys Blues homeless in their own country. After his side beat the Hurricanes 31-16 in Wellington, Blues coach Leon MacDonald told reporters the side would not return to Auckland, as they could not train under level 3.
No alternative base was outlined. The Blues do not have a match next weekend.
New Zealands track and field championships due to be held in Hastings next weekend were called off soon after the prime ministers announcement. Auckland is an athletics powerhouse, and number restrictions made it impossible to hold the event.
Dame Valerie Adams has no national championships next weekend, after all.
Australia were due to play the Black Caps at Eden Park at 7pm on Friday, with the White Ferns playing the powerful England side at 3pm.
Australia are in Wellington to play the Black Caps at Sky Stadium on Wednesday. Fridays doubleheader would be played in the same arena.
The Tauranga cricket double header planned for Sunday would go ahead as planned, presumably without crowds, NZC said.
In Super Rugby Aotearoa, the Chiefs are to play 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 due to be played on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Only the last of those games can have a crowd.
