PCB warns Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Imam-ul-Haq for violating its COVID-19 SOP

Pakistan Cricket Board has warned the newly appointed ODI skipper Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Naseem Shah for violating its Standard Operating Procedures as they practiced in a local cricket club without acquiring the precautionary measures.

Amid the COVID-19, the players have been confined to their houses during the lockdown for long. Also, they were not allowed to do any kind of outdoor training during that course of time. Undoubtedly, it would have been a difficult period for the players. But, for now, governments have given relaxation in the restrictions after tracking the condition that is gradually improving.

PCB not impressed with Babar Azam and some other players

Now, cricketers’ next destination will be the cricket field. They will soon try to gain their match fitness and get ready for the international cricket action that is not very far away from its resumption. Babar Azam, Pakistan’s ODI skipper also couldn’t hold onto himself and went for outdoor training with some of his teammates including Naseem Shah, Imam-ul-Haq.

Meanwhile, they didn’t inform PCB, who came to know about it through some videos in which Babar was seen practicing in a club that was located close to Pakistan Cricket Board headquarters.

An official said that the PCB expressed their concern over the fact that players didn’t take proper safety measures before taking up the practice.

On Tuesday, PCB canceled the training camp that was scheduled to be conducted at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore ahead of an important tour to England. The Men in Green cricket board took such a step after they failed to create a bio-secure environment for the players.

Pakistan team will play three Tests and ODIs in August against England. They will travel at least four weeks before in order to complete their quarantine period. UK government has issued it as one of their guidelines that Men in Green team will have to follow.

On the other hand, West Indies cricket team has already departed to England for playing Test series starting next month. It is going to be a historic one that will take place under the new guidelines issued by the International Cricket Council.