3 Pakistan players including Rauf, Shadab Khan test COVID positive ahead of England tour

Just as Pakistan eyes resumption of international cricket with ir upcoming tour to England, Men in Green have suffered a huge blow as three players of touring squad tested positive for COVID-19. se include youngster Haider Ali, speedster Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan. squad is expected to take two tests before departing on June 28. second test is scheduled to happen on Wednesday. 

While anuncing measures of bio-secure bubble and ir rules of isolation, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had affirmed that any player who tests positive will t be allowed to proceed furr for tour. PCB has also anunced a set of reserve players in case a player from main squad tests COVID positive. Reports suggest that three players showed symptoms before getting tested on Sunday. 

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“ first test will be taken in players’ and officials’ respective cities and areas of residence. players will assemble in Lahore on Wednesday and Board has arranged for a bio-secure floor for m in a five-star hotel where y will stay in isolation before taking chartered flight,” PTI had quoted a source. 

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Amir, Sohail out of squad

Apart from se three players, Pakistan has already lost service of Mohammad Amir and Haris Sohail who had pulled out of tour citing ir concerns. In a statement released, PCB had confirmed that Mohammad Amir has withdrawn so that he can attend birth of his second child in August, while Haris Sohail will miss tour because of family reasons. statement furr read that Pakistan will send 28 players and 14 player support personnel for three Tests and three T20Is to be played in August and September. squad, as well as pre-series and series schedule, will be anunced in due course.

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Pakistan tour of England 2020

1992 World Cup winners will be touring England for a three-match Test series that will be followed by a three-match T20I series from July 30 to September 2, 2020. Meanwhile, PCB also anunced that spin legend Mushtaq Ahmed has been named as bowling coach for upcoming tour while former captain as well as batting great Younis Khan has been appointed as batting coach.

PCB had said that taking into account COVID-19 outlook in Pakistan in coming weeks, operational and logistical matters as well observation that keeping players in a safe and secure environment would remain a challenge, which is why PCB decided t to hold a training camp prior to ir departure for England. Instead, PCB asked ECB to prepare an itinerary which allows Pakistan team to reach London early in June. squad was originally scheduled to land in UK on July 6.

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