Pakistan Test captain Azhar Ali has revealed that the centrally contracted players are mentally ready for pay-cuts if PCB asks them during extended Coronavirus lockdown. There are close to 4800 positive Coronavirus cases in Pakistan so far, with almost 58,000 people being tested for the virus.

The numbers may go up once more number of tests are done and the lockdown might be extended. Amidst such crisis, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may have to cut their contracted players’ salaries and they are mentally prepared for it.

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Ali said, “It is not a good situation for any country and we know that if this lockdown situation continued for a few months, the Board might ask us to take pay cuts in the old or new central contacts. If such a situation arises that we are asked to take pay cuts we are mentally prepared for it and we will sit down with the Board and take the best decisions.”

The 35-year-old also spoke positively of having international cricket behind closed doors if healthcare facilities permit. He believes that it will be good for the people at home to watch live cricket on TV but it should not compromise with the players’ health.

He said, “Yes at some stage if this situation persists the option of playing in front of empty stadiums can be discussed but only if proper health and preventive measures are put in place by authorities for all stakeholders.”

“It is unfortunate that fans are not watching any action even on TV and if cricket is played behind closed doors, it will provide fans with an opportunity to (at least) watch some cricket, but the health of the public should not be compromised,” Ali added.

(With inputs from PTI)