Loss of matches a blow

more matches next season.

The initial plan was to play all matches on the dates, and at the times, previously scheduled, and to explore the concept of allowing venues to accommodate multiple ‘‘pods’’, each of no more than 100 spectators.

Wellington cricket great Ewen Chatfield was also disappointed, as a regular spectator at the Basin.

‘‘It is just the world we live in now,’’ said the 71-year-old, who played 43 tests for New Zealand.

He was looking forward to seeing the South Africans play on his old home ground, as he has not seen the Proteas play very often in New Zealand.

Still working as a corporate taxi driver, Chatfield normally watches tests on Saturday and Sunday, depending on work commitments.

‘‘I just hope now that [Wellington] can get two tests next year,’’ he said.

Sky Stadium chief executive Shane Harmon said NZ Cricket had been in discussion with the stadium regarding the risk that the games might go ahead without fans in the stands.

‘‘We fully understand and appreciate the situation. The move to red means they were looking to consolidate their touring programme to minimise risk.’’

Harmon said doubts over the Australian players getting MIQ placements might still place their matches in jeopardy.

‘‘Who knows where the world’s going to be in a month’s time. There remains question marks as to whether those games will go ahead at all.’’

Richard Boock, of NZ Cricket, confirmed MIQ spots for the Australian team’s three T20 matches in March were yet to be secured but all other incoming teams, including the Women’s World Cup teams, had MIQ placements booked.

The test at the Basin is not the only big sporting event affected by Omicron. Tomorrow’s Wellington Cup is still going ahead, but without the expected crowd of 10,000.

Always a highlight for racing fans, who traditionally get out their best outfits for cup day, it will now go ahead with a much smaller crowd. Wellington Racing Club will be running a pod system, with no more than 100 people per pod.

The crowd will now be limited to around 1800.

All guests will be required to preregister and in some cases people will have to pay for food and beverages in advance.

The Fashion in the Field has been cancelled, and guests and staff must be at least double-vaccinated and wear masks.