In a massive blow to Pakistan cricket team ahead of their scheduled travel to England, three of their players have been tested positive for the Coronavirus.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday confirmed the news saying that Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf and Haider Ali contracted the COVID-19 after being tested in Rawalpindi on Sunday.
Shadab, Haris and Haider were named in the 29-man squad announced last week but now their participation in the scheduled Tests and the T20Is series seems doubtful.
Pakistan will play three Tests and as many T20Is against England in August-September in a bio-secure environment following the coronavirus pandemic.
“Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan have tested positive for Covid-19. The players had shown no symptoms until they were tested in Rawalpindi on Sunday ahead of the Pakistan men’s national cricket team’s tour to England.
“The PCB medical panel is in contact with the three who have been advised to immediately go into self-isolation.
“Imad Wasim and Usman Shinwari, also screened in Rawalpindi, have tested negative and, as such, will travel to Lahore on 24 June.
“The other players and team officials, barring Cliffe Deacon, Shoaib Malik and Waqar Younis, underwent tests at their respective centres in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar on Monday. Their results are expected at some stage on Tuesday, which will also be announced by the PCB through its usual channels,” the PCB said in its statement.
Pakistan players will leave for the United Kingdom on Sunday and will be tested twice for COVID-19 before they board the flight. After reaching London, the players will go through another testing session before they start training in a bio-secured environment.
The Test series will start with Manchester’s Old Trafford stadium hosting the first match from August 5-9.
