COVID-19: Six Pakistan players test negative, can fly to England
31-member contingent already undergoing isolation period in the UK
Dubai: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) heaved a sigh of relief as six of their players: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan and Wahab Riaz have tested negative for COVID-19 for the second time in three days and are now eligible to join the team in England.
They could not make the trip alongwith the rest of the squad on Sunday but PCB would now start making travel arrangements for the six players. The players were retested on June 29 following a first negative test on June 26.
A 31-member Pakistan contingent, including 20 players and support staff, reached England on Sunday for their upcoming assignment in which they are scheduled to play three Tests and as many T20Is in August and September.
The Pakistan cricketers and the support staff arrived in Manchester on a chartered flight from Lahore and were then transported to Worcestershire.
The team were scheduled to undergo England and Wales Cricket Board testing before completing their 14-day isolation period, during which they will be allowed to train and practice. The side will then move to Derbyshire on July 13.
The ECB has still not announced the dates for the series which will be played behind-closed-doors.
Before the Pakistan series, England are scheduled to take on West Indies in the three-Test series beginning July 8 at the Ageas Bowl. The Test series will mark return of competitive international cricket after a three month hiatus due to the pandemic.