Shoaib Malik to skip initial weeks of England tour, will join Pakistan team in July

As Pakistan rares to resume international cricket with ir upcoming tour to England, national board has granted batsman Shoaib Malik special permission to join squad later in July. batsman has been allowed to spend some time with his family whom he hasn't seen since five months due to COVID-19 outbreak and his prior commitments. Malik's wife and Indian tennis star Sania Mirza and ir son are in Hyderabad, India while Malik himself has been in Pakistan. 

While Pakistan cricket team is set to leave for England on June 28 on a chartered plane, Malik will be joining Men in Green on July 24. “Unlike rest of us, Shoaib Malik has t seen his immediate family for nearly five months due to his commitments and subsequent international travel bans following COVID-19 pandemic," PCB CEO Wasim Khan said in a statement.

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Khan added that as travel restrictions are easing w slowly and re is an opportunity for Shoaib and his family to reunite, so it is appropriate that board respects his request. “We have spoken with England and Wales Cricket Board who understand situation and have agreed to make an exception by helping Shoaib enter country on July 24. Of course, Shoaib will follow UK government’s policies on visitors entering country before integrating with side,” he added.

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Pak squad to be tested twice 

Pakistan team will be tested twice for Coronavirus within three days before y enter bio-secure bubble in UK. first test will be taken on Monday and second one on Wednesday before y board a charted flight to England on June 28. According to PTI sources, if a player tests positive, he will be restricted from travelling for tour as international cricket eyes return after a brief halt due to COVID-19 outbreak. 

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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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Im Credits: AP