PSL 2021: Participants return negative COVID-19 tests on arrival to the UAE

The contingent for the second leg of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), comprising of players, technicians, coaches, support staff, broadcasting staff, and PCB officials has tested positive for COVID-19 upon their arrival to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

On Thursday, May 28, the nasal swabs were taken before the participants joined the bio-security bubbles. After three days, everyone involved in the T20 tournament will undergo another round of coronavirus testing.

In the meantime, as per reports in CricWick, chartered flights from India and South Africa that are supposed to carry broadcasters, haven’t yet gotten approval to land in the UAE. Hence, there could be delays at the start of the tournament.

As per the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the PSL is set to start on June 5, but there are possibilities for the same to be extended. Back in March, the league came to a halt after COVID-19 cases emerged in the bubble.

PCB takes a U-turn on Naseem Shah regarding PSL participation

Earlier, it was learned that Naseem Shah was ruled out of the tournament after a protocol breach. He arrived at the hotel on May 24 and presented a test report from May 18. As per the guidelines, the players were supposed to give a report from not more than 48 hours before arrival.

“The PCB doesn’t take any pride in releasing a young fast bowler from its marquee event, but if we will ignore this breach, we will potentially put at risk the entire event. We appreciate Quetta Gladiators for accepting this decision, as it confirms we are all aligned to strictly following and implementing the protocols, ”Babar Hamid, the director and commercial head of PSL 6, was quoted as saying.

“This decision will also send out a loud and clear message to all involved in the remaining matches that the PCB will not compromise on any violations and will expel the player or player support personnel irrespective of his stature and standing in the game if they are found to be flouting the prescribed protocols or regulations,” he added.

However, later it was learned he was allowed to join the bubble. Shah is in isolation before his departure to the UAE. The youngster will travel to Abu Dhabi along with the contingent left behind by the first flight that took 202 personnel.