PCB confirms all 128 COVID-19 tests as negative

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the coronavirus tests conducted on 128 persons, including players, match officials, team owners, broadcasters and support staff, have turned out to be negative. The important tests took place on Tuesday, March 17 as a part of the PCB’s care initiative after a suspect COVID-19 case came to the fore.

It has been learned that the players and the other personnel have joined their family members after passing the tests with flying colours. Earlier, the 2020 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was also called off after the semi-finalists were decided. A few games took place behind closed doors in the tournament as a precautionary measure to the deadly virus.

“It was absolutely critical for the integrity and credibility of the HBL Pakistan Super League and the Pakistan Cricket Board that all players, support personnel, broadcasters and match officials, those who had decided to stay back till the end of the tournament, tested negative for COVID-19,” Wasim Khan, the PCB Chief Executive, was quoted as saying in a press release.

PCB happy with the outcome

“In this background, the PCB is pleased with the outcome of the results and happy that all these players and officials have rejoined their families without any health and safety doubts or concerns, Khan mentioned.

The PCB has iterated that it will be putting its focus on the safety measures for the betterment of its employees. The board also wished for cricket to survive the storm and make a comeback in the future. Moreover, the PCB chief put forth the necessary steps to avoid getting affected by the pandemic.

“I urge cricket fans and followers to exercise absolute caution and value their as well as others’ well-being. They can overcome this pandemic by maintaining hygiene, avoiding close physical contact like handshaking and hugs, staying away from gatherings, avoiding close contact when anyone who is experiencing cough and fever, and spreading awareness about safety measures,” Khan added.

In the meantime, the rest of the foreign players, support staff and other match officials have already departed for their respective destinations. While the PSL was underway, a number of players, including the likes of Jason Roy, James Vince, Mitchell McClenaghan and many others backed off after the coronavirus outbreak.

There were also reports of England batsman Alex Hales testing positive for COVID-19. However, the Karachi Kings batter quashed the rumours, saying that it was nothing, but mere rumours.