Mohammad Amir clears COVID-19 tests, joins Pakistan squad in England

Left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Amir has joined the Pakistan squad in England after getting negative results in two successive COVID-19 tests following his arrival in the United Kingdom. Pakistan’s tour of England commences with three Test matches starting August 5 at Manchester followed by a short T20I series.

The England Cricket Board (ECB) has laid out specific protocols for the safety of the cricketers amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Pakistan Cricket Board on Thursday confirmed that Amir has joined with the rest of the squad after serving his mandatory quarantine period, during which he tested negative twice.

“Amir left for England from Lahore on 24 July and, as per the UK government’s guidelines, was in isolation for a period of five days during which he was tested twice,” the PCB said in a statement on its website.

The left-handed speedster, who quit playing Test cricket, will feature in the three-match T20 series against England at the Old Trafford, Manchester starting August 28. Both the series are to be played in a bio-secure environment like the recently concluded #RaiseTheBat series of West Indies with England.

Besides, the PCB also informed that fast bowler Harris Rauf is also expected to join the rest of the Pakistan squad in England soon. He was tested positive for the COVID-19 earlier and is now clear of the virus.

“Fast bowler Haris Rauf has cleared his second COVID-19 test and is eligible to join the squad in England. As per the protocols he was tested twice – Monday and Wednesday,” the cricket board said. “He is expected to travel over the weekend. Details of his travel plan will be shared in due course,” the statement added.

It was a positive move: Waqar Younis

Talking to the reporters in a video conference recently, the bowling coach of Pakistan, Waqar Younis expressed his opinion that the decision to call-up Amir to join the squad in England was a positive move. “With Amir, it is not just about this series but even going forward to see where he stands. It’s a positive move. He was a part of our white-ball team anyway.”

Waqar continued by stating that the training camp offers them time to assess their team not just for this series but even going forward. “Not only Amir, but we can also bring in someone else as well. Going forward, there is a lot of cricket coming,” he added.