As the COVID-19 test results came out, more Pakistani players had contracted the virus after Khan, Ali, and Rauf did.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has conducted COVID-19 tests among their players and staff in preparation for their tour England in August. Following the positive test results of Shadab Khan, Haider Ali, and Haris Rauf, seven more players and one of the team masseuses named Malang Ali have tested positive as well.
Namely, the players who have tested positive were Fakhar Zaman, Imran Khan, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan, and Wahab Riaz. Players who have tested negative, on the other hand, will proceed with their departure on June 28. This is for them to train and practice in a bio-secure environment which will be provided by the ECB.
As per PCB chief executive Wasim Khan, ‘The PCB medical panel is already in contact with these players and the masseur, who have been instructed to observe strict quarantine at their homes for their and their families' wellbeing’.
‘The tour to England is very much on track and the side will depart as per schedule. Fortunately, all the first-choice red-ball squad, barring Mohammad Rizwan, are negative, which means they can start training and practising immediately after they have been tested and given the all-clear when they arrive in England’, he added.
Khan also stated that they are in constant contact with ECB as they continue to plan for their reserve players to be tested as well. So far, the players who have tested positive have not yet been ruled out of the tour yet. Upon recovery, they are expected to fly to England where another test awaits them.
The Pakistan tour of England is comprised of three Test matches and three T20Is which will be held in different parts across England. To further understand these formats, check out Betwala.
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