Mohammad Rizwan and Shoaib Malik tested negative for COVID-19.
Pakistan cricketers Mohammad Rizwan and Shoaib Malik are suffering from "mild flu" and are in some doubt for the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 against Australia on Thursday (November 11) in Dubai.
It is being said that Rizwan and Malik woke up on Wednesday morning with "light flu and low fever" and they were first advised to delay practice but were later advised to miss Pakistan’s training session on Wednesday. However, they tested negative for COVID-19.
An ESPNCricinfo report stated that “both players (Mohammad Rizwan and Shoaib Malik) were tested for COVID-19 and both tested negative.”
The report further said, “As with the rest of their squad, they have cleared regular COVID-19 testing through the tournament, including one a couple of days ago. That is part of the ICC's policy to encourage teams to test as often as possible.”
Rizwan and Malik have both played key roles in Pakistan’s campaign in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2021 and missing the services of either will be a huge blow for the side against Australia.
The report signed off by saying, "Pakistan is not overly concerned at the moment about their participation in Thursday's game, and will be reviewing their status in the morning again."
Notably, Pakistan has options as replacements if the need arises, with Sarfaraz Ahmed coming in for Rizwan behind the stumps while Haider Ali can take the place of Malik.
(With PTI Inputs)