'Why is he playing?' - Twitterati question PCB after allowing Wahab Riaz and Sammy to join squad despite bio-bubble breach in PSL 2021

The sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) commenced on Saturday but not before a COVID-19 scare for the PCB. A Lahore Qalandars player was tested positive for the virus while two members of Peshawar Zalmi, captain Wahab Riaz and coach Daren Sammy, breached the bio-secure bubble. They reportedly met a person outside the bubble on Friday.

According to the rules, they were supposed to be in quarantine for three days and had to return two negative COVID-19 tests to be allowed back in the bubble. Rather Wahab Riaz shouldn’t have played Peshawar Zalmi’s first match as well. Ahead of the game, Shoaib Malik seemed to be the front-runner to lead the side.

However, much to everyone’s surprise, Wahab Riaz was named in the Zalmi XI for their opening game against Lahore Qalandars. He is also leading the team and this has raised a lot of eyebrows. According to Cricbuzz, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has allowed both Wahab and Daren Sammy to join the team which isn’t according to the rules.

“The PCB is disappointed that two members of one of the sides showed carelessness and violated the bio-secure bubble protocols by coming into contact with a person who was not part of the bubble,” the board had issued a statement on the matter early on Saturday.

A not so great start for PSL 2021 season

Meanwhile, PSL 2021 season didn’t get off to a scintillating start as the opening game between Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators turned out to be a one-sided affair. The defending champions Karachi won the game comfortably chasing down 122 in just 13.5 overs. Their bowlers did well to bundle the opposition out for a paltry score after which Joe Clarke and Mohammad Nabi slammed quick runs to take the team home.

The player testing positive for COVID-19 and the bio-bubble breach matter has been doing the rounds instead of cricket. Moreover, with PCB now allowing Wahab and Sammy back in the squad without completing the mandatory three-day quarantine, many are talking about the same, and the fans are also surprised.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

20 Feb: PCB ban Wahab Riaz to play 1st match against Lahore Qalandars due to breach of Bio secure bubble

21 Feb: PCB allow Wahab Riaz to play.

Meanwhile, me and other LQ fans to PCB:#PSL6 pic.twitter.com/AFjuT7avfa

— Abdul Samad || Lahore Qalandars (@imsamad_92) February 21, 2021

Wahab riaz and Sammy break the Covid protocol
Le javed Afridi to Darren Sammy #LQvPZ pic.twitter.com/OSZq57ZfDS

— بلال سید🍥 (@BilalXyed4) February 21, 2021

After Peshawar Zalmi threatened to boycott the match, PCB bow down and allow Wahab Riaz to play today's match. #PCBIgnoreCovidProtocol @waheedkhan https://t.co/HPT6mRGr6J

— Adnan Siddiqui (@Adnan__Siddiqui) February 21, 2021

thought Wahab Riaz broke covid protocols and missed the 1st game? playing apparently

— BND (@BigNonVeganDave) February 21, 2021

So, PCB has allowed Wahab Riaz to play. Just Pakistani things. #PZvLQ

— Rai📈 (@OkhaManj) February 21, 2021

Why wahab riaz is playing

— Zeshan Abdullah (@Pr0ud_Pakistani) February 21, 2021