Pakistan received a warning after alleged breaches of COVID-19 protocol in New Zealand ©Getty Images

Pakistan's national cricket team received a warning after alleged breaches of COVID-19 protocol in New Zealand.

Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive Wasim Khan sent a WhatsApp voice note to the players earlier this week, as reported by cricket.com.au.

He claimed he had been given a "final warning" by both the New Zealand Government and New Zealand Cricket after evidence of a number of breaches of the bio-security rules. 

"They have told me straight away that one more breach and they will send the whole team back," Khan said. 

"They also said there were three to four breaches of protocols.

"They have zero tolerance and they have given us a final warning. 

"I know it's difficult times for you and it's not easy. 

"You have operated in similar conditions in England - it's a matter of the country's respect and credibility. 

"Please observe 14 days, then you will get freedom in New Zealand to go out in restaurants and roam around, but please adhere to full protocols."

The team have travelled to New Zealand to play three T20 internationals against the country starting on December 18, followed by two Test matches.

They are required to remain in isolation for two weeks upon arrival due to the restrictive measures in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Pakistan cricket team has experience of spending time in isolation, having to do so earlier this year to play England in Test matches and a T20 series ©Getty Images
The Pakistan cricket team has experience of spending time in isolation, having to do so earlier this year to play England in Test matches and a T20 series ©Getty Images

Six Pakistani players tested positive for coronavirus when entering New Zealand and have been moved from self-isolation into quarantine. 

The team had been given an exemption to train together in small bubbles, but that has been temporarily rescinded after the positive results.

Interviews with the Pakistani squad are still being conducted and anyone considered to have been in close contact with the infected players will not be allowed to train.

New Zealand's Ministry of Health revealed the behaviour of the team "significantly improved" after the warning.

"Since the team was issued with a warning, compliance with managed isolation and quarantine rules in the facility has significantly improved," it said.

"We thank members of the team for their co-operation with the case investigations following the announcement of positive cases within the team. 

"Co-operation and compliance are critical in ensuring New Zealand is kept safe from COVID-19."

The Pakistan team toured England this summer despite the coronavirus crisis, quarantining for two weeks in a hotel before they could play Test matches and a T20 series.