The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday (March 19) confirmed that it carried out 128 Coronavirus tests on players, support staff, match officials, broadcasters and team owners two days ago, and all the results have come out negative.
“The tests were conducted as part of the PCB’s duty of care, following a suspect COVID-19 case,” said PCB in a press release.
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Moreover, the Multan Sultans franchise had carried out 17 COVID-19 tests on Monday (March 16), which were also turned out to be negative.
“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,” PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said.
“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.
“The PCB will continue to put in place precautionary measures to better safeguard the health of its employees.
“I urge cricket fans and followers to exercise absolute caution and value their as well as others’ wellbeing. 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.
“The PCB prays normalcy returns quickly to our society so that playing fields can once again witness resumption of healthy activities.”
Notably, PCB on Tuesday (March 17) indefinitely postponed the staging of PSL 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The tournament was in its last phase, with Multan Sultans set to face Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings about to take on Lahore Qalandars in the two semi-finals, slated to be held in Lahore behind closed doors on March 17.
The final was also scheduled to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium a day later.
