Pakistan Super League (PSL) side Quetta Gladiators fast bowler Anwar Ali has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be able to fly to Abu Dhabi for the T20 tournament, which will resume in June. The PSL had been suspended on March 4 after seven Covid-19 cases had come to light. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had immediately put the tournament, which commenced on February 20, on hold.
The remaining 20 matches of the tournament will be played in Abu Dhabi. Anwar Ali will now isolate in a hotel room in Karachi for at least 10 days, reports ESPNCricinfo website. The bowler had tested negative before he checked into the hotel in Karachi, but following a second test conducted on Monday, Ali returned a positive result on Tuesday.
As per the schedule prepared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the players and support staff of all six franchises will leave for Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, where they will quarantine in their hotel rooms for seven days and then enter the bio-secure bubble.
Shah later expressed his regret on Twitter, saying, “I cannot express in words how I feel right now. I want to play cricket as it (playing cricket) is my life.”
Shahid Afridi ruled out due to back injury
Star all-rounder Shahid Afridi has been ruled out of the Pakistan Super League due to a back injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board said. Afridi represented Multan Sultans in four of its five league games at Karachi, scoring just three runs in two innings and picking up two wickets from 15 overs.
Afridi experienced pain in his lower back during training in Karachi. He was examined by a doctor, who prescribed a period of complete rest.
“Unfortunately, I have been advised to rest and can no longer accompany my team Multan Sultans,” Afridi said in a statement. “I am disappointed that I would be sitting out of the tournament, but my best wishes, support and prayers are with the team to take the trophy.”
(with agency inputs)
