PAK cricketers Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf and Haider Ali test positive for Covid-19

The deadly coronavirus has strengthened its grips on the Pakistan Cricket team. As per the latest press release of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), three players from their squad for England tour namely Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, and young Haider Ali have been tested positive for Covid-19.

Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf and Haider Ali tested COVID positive

The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the news through their official website. Shockingly, the players showed no symptoms until they were tested in Rawalpindi on Sunday. They were among the Pakistan squad that was to leave for England. Meanwhile, Imad Wasim and Usman Shinwari, who were tested at the same center have been tested negative for the same.

“The PCB medical panel is in contact with the three who have been advised to immediately go into self-isolation,” the PCB said in the release. “Imad Wasim and Usman Shinwari, also screened in Rawalpindi, have tested negative and, as such, will travel to Lahore on June 24.”

Haris Rauf and Haider Ali to miss the golden opportunity 

Haider Ali, Pakistan’s young prodigy and Under-19 star received his maiden call-up to the national side as PCB named a 29-member squad for three Tests and three T20Is. He, who averages close to 50 in first-class cricket was raring to make a mark on the international stage.

Rauf on the other hand had a brilliant Big Bash down under. He played for Melbourne Stars in the BBL and impressed even the great Dale Steyn. He too was looking at this England tour as an opportunity to seal his place in the playing eleven. He had played two T20 internationals so far.

As per PCB’s medical team, these three can still join the squad, provided they recover after 14 days in isolation and test negative thereafter. They will then be allowed to take a commercial flight to England

Pakistan Players to go through tough COVID safety measures

It was earlier decided that Pakistan’s players and support staff would have to go through three rounds of Covid-19 testing apart from a host of other precautions before they leave for their England tour. 28 players except for Shoaib Malik alongside 12 members of the support staff were tested on Sunday and Monday. All of them were tested at their respective home town.

As per medical instructions, those tested ‘negative’ will have to move to a five-star hotel in Lahore and remain in isolation, while those tested positive will have to remain in isolation at home. Medical assistance will be given for those tested positive.

A second test would be carried out on June 25 in the Hotel and those who have tested negative on both occasions can fly out to Manchester on June 28 on a specially chartered plane from Lahore.

All players will be tested once every five days when they land in England.

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