All-rounder Shadab Khan, hard-hitting batsman Haider Ali and fast-bowler Haris Rauf tested positive for Coronavirus on Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed. The PCB issued a press release, stating that all three players were asymptomatic prior to their testing, which took place in Rawalpindi on Sunday. “The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed three players – Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan – have tested positive for Covid-19,” the PCB said in a release.
“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,” it added.
The PCB also added that the players have been advised to self-isolate themselves with immediate effect.
“The PCB medical panel is in contact with the three who have been advised to immediately go into self-isolation,” read the statement.
On a brighter note for the Pakistanis, two key players, namely Imad Wasim and Usman Shinwari were tested negative after undergoing the test on the same day in Rawalpindi. Both of them will travel to Lahore on June 24 before leaving for the England tour.
“Imad Wasim and Usman Shinwari, also screened in Rawalpindi, have tested negative and, as such, will travel to Lahore on 24 June,” it added.
But what might still be a concern is that test results are awaited for all other players and support staff, who got themselves tested as well with results expected to be released today. Shoaib Malik, bowling coach Waqar Younis and Cliffe Deacon are the only three that remain who haven’t got themselves tested yet.
“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,” it added.
Pakistan are due to travel to England on June 28 for a bio-secure tour comprising three Tests and as many Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). The three T20Is will all be played in Southampton on August 28, 30 and September 1.
