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PSL Trophy ( Image Credit: Twitter)
Amidst all the hype around the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the COVID-19 still acts as a major threat to the tournament. Earlier, it was reported that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) were working on ensuring that the deadly virus doesn't act as a hindrance toward the seventh edition of the league. However, even before the start of the tournament, three teams had reported positive cases.
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To make matters worse, Wasim Akram, who happens to be the president of the Karachi Kings, as well as Peshawar Zalmi's Haider Ali and Wahab Riaz, have tested positive for COVID-19. According to a report by The News, the three of them have quarantined themselves after their test for the virus came back positive. The fact that the two players from the Zalmi have tested positive even before the commencement of the tournament comes as a major blow.
As a matter of fact, the PCB confirmed on Monday that Kamran Akmal and Arshad Iqbal had tested positive for COVID-19 and were replaced by players from the reserves pool. However, it is to be noted that according to the board, the replacement will only be temporary.
Peshawar Zalmi to take on Quetta Gladiators in the second game of PSL 7
Salman Naseer, the PCB's Chief Operating Officer (CCO) and the tournament director of PSL, said that over 250 tests were conducted since Thursday, and there were only eight positive cases. He also mentioned that these eight cases included three players, and five support staff members.
"As per latest results received, in over 250 tests conducted since Thursday, three players and five support staff members have tested positive and have been isolated,” said Salman Naseer. Thus, the outbreak of the deadly virus has in Pakistan has led to a lot of complications with respect to the seventh edition of Pakistan's T20 league.
However, the PCB has developed an advisory protocol for SOPs that will help the teams to hold 20 players each. The board will allow the tournament to continue even if there are up to eight team players who test positive. If a player does test positive, then he shall be asked to isolate himself for ten days.