Pakistan to play England in July in bio-secure environment

Pakistan is all set to tour England in July to play three Tests and three T20 internationals in a bio-secure environment with PCB giving its approval to ir English counterparts during a video link meeting on Friday.

Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive, Wasim Khan told a news channel that PCB has agreed "in principle" to tour England in July.

"We h a very detailed and comprehensive discussion with ECB on Friday regarding tour and PCB has w agreed in principle to send our cricket team to England in July," Wasim said.

During discussions held via video link, it was agreed that Pakistan would play matches behind closed doors at grounds which have hotels inside ground.

PCB chief said 25 players will travel to England on four chartered flights in first week of July and that series will be played behind closed doors after players have completed ir quarantine periods.

Wasim said he will brief Test captain Azhar Ali and ODI and T20 captain Babar Azam on tour next week, ding that all of players will be briefed fully on England's preparations for tour.

He insisted that health and safety of players would be paramount and player would be forced to go to England.

"If a player doesn't want to go, we will accept ir decision and take disciplinary action," Khan said, ding, however, that based on his information, every player wants to join tour.

He also said clearance would be sought from government before going on tour.

Wasim said safety measures to be opted for series include matches to be played in empty stiums, Pakistan to travel to London via chartered flight, players to be tested for virus and quarantined if necessary.

"Manchester and Southampton will be likely venues for Test series and ECB will anunce a third venue soon," Khan said.

"Biosecurity arrangements will be me by host country and medical staff will remain with our team throughout tour. We will test all our players and regular temperature checks will be ensured. It's very important that cricket is revived during se challenging times," he ded.

England and Wales Cricket Board is struggling to overcome a financial crisis with English cricket season on hold due to coronavirus pandemic.

ECB this week anunced that its players would be returning to training under strict guidelines as first step towards resuming cricket activities in England.