New Zealand's white-ball tour of Australia has been postponed due to border and quarantine rules

Uncertainty over border restrictions has forced the postponement of New Zealand's white-ball tour of Australia.

The Black Caps were due to play three, one-day internationals, beginning on January 30 in Perth, and a Twenty20 international in Canberra on February 8.

On Wednesday, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed the postponement, citing New Zealand's border controls, quarantine requirements and the resulting uncertainty over when the touring squad would be able to return home.

Australia's T20 internationals against Sri Lanka remain on the calendar, with the schedule to be confirmed.

«We are extremely disappointed that we won't be able to play the scheduled matches against New Zealand as planned. However, we will continue to work with New Zealand Cricket to reschedule the series,» CA boss Nick Hockley said.

«We thank NZC, who made every effort to make the series happen. However, because they were unable to get certainty over return quarantine arrangements, it is simply just not possible at this time.

»We know fans will be disappointed and thank them for their understanding given the unique circumstances that the global pandemic presents for everyone."

NZC chief executive David White said his organisation had entertained the prospect of an expanded tour to «push out the return date and avoid a hard, 10-day mandatory isolation» currently imposed on all incoming travellers — but, when that option could not be guaranteed, a final decision was made.

«Unfortunately, we received advice this morning that they could not provide certainty over this,» White said.