7 more Pakistan players including Wahab Riaz, Hafeez test COVID positive ahead of Eng tour

Just days before Pakistan squad is set to depart for ir tour to England seven more players have tested positive for Coronavirus. se include veterans Mohammad Hafeez and Wahab Riaz. Apart from se, PCB has confirmed that Fakhar Zaman, Imran Khan, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Hasnain and Mohammad Rizwan have tested positive. 

Earlier on Monday, Haider Ali, speedster Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan had also tested positive for COVID-19. results come as a huge blow to Pakistan squad which is set to depart for UK on June 28 on a charter plane. 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. 

READ | 3 Pakistan Players Including Rauf, Shadab Khan Test COVID Positive Ahead Of England Tour

Meanwhile, Shoaib Malik, Cliffe Deacon and Waqar Younis are yet to be tested. Apart from players, team's masseur, Malang Ali has also tested positive. "Like Haider, Haris and Shadab ne of seven players and masseur had reported any prior symptoms of Covid-19 until y underwent first round of testing on Monday ahead of side’s departure for Manchester," PCB said in a statement.

players who have tested negative will assemble in Lahore on June 24 and undergo second round of testing on June 25. team, will again be tested within 24 hours of arriving in UK by ECB medical panel.

READ | PCB Doctor Says Pakistan Will Be Touring England Despite 'big Risk' That Is Involved

Earlier in day, PCB doctor Sohail Saleem affirmed that scheduled tour will go ahead as expected despite 'big risk' involved. "During this pandemic, it is a big risk but this tour is also necessary if cricket is to resume w. tour is also important as it will also help country get through COVID-19 crisis," said Saleem during a media interaction. "We will get results in 24 hours time and if player tests positive he will be stopped from going to England and sent into isolation until he recovers properly," Saleem said.

READ | More Virus Positives Won't Stop Pakistan Tour, Says Giles

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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