Days before the start of PSL League (2022), three foreign players from Quetta gladiators tested positive for COVID-19.
According to sources, the three players include Australian all-rounder, James Faulkner, West Indian left-hand batter, Shimron Hetmyer, and English left-arm pacer, Luke Wood.
The three international players have started quarantine and are reported to miss the first match of Quetta Gladiators against Peshawar Zalmi on January 28 at National Stadium Karachi.
The problems doesn’t end here as the wife and mother of Quetta gladiator’s captain, Sarfaraz Ahmed, also tested positive for COVID-19. And it’s yet to be confirmed whether he will participate in the match or not.
In the meanwhile, the other squad members of all the six PSL franchises will enter the bio – safety bubble created by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later today in Karachi.
The National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) declared a day ago that the Karachi leg of the PSL will allow a 25% fully vaccinated crowd.
Initially, the NCOC had planned to allow a crowd that was 100 percent completely vaccinated for the entire PSL.
The resurge of Coronavirus, however, has compelled the NCOC to reconsider its judgement. Following a review of the situation, a verdict on crowd participation in the PSL Lahore leg will be taken.
Salman Naseer, PCB Chief Operating Officer and PSL Tournament Director, said he expects at least 15% of fans to attend PSL games in Karachi.
“As a responsible organization, we are fully aware of our responsibilities in terms of public health and safety, and we will leave no stone unturned in following the NCOC standards to the full.” However, we will need the crowds’ entire and constant support in order for them and others to continue to enjoy the game in a safe and secure environment. PSL director Salman Naseer said, “This is something they can achieve by simply following the standards.”
To read our blog on “3 Pakistani Stars have been included in Test Team of the Year of ICC”, click here.