PCB plans to conduct increased mandatory blood, eye tests for Pakistan players

The decision could be taken in wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

PCB is also set to announce training group ahead of England tour | AFP The medical panel of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to make blood and eye tests mandatory for players four times a year in the post COVID-19 world. 

Currently, one senior official of PCB's medical panel said, centrally contracted Pakistan players undergo blood tests and eye scans every six months.

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"But due to the changing situation because of the coronavirus pandemic we are planning to introduce tests at least four times in 12 months," PTI quoted the official as saying. 

While the greater focus on blood testing is down to the ongoing pandemic and to avoid further health risks, it is understood that an increased number of eye scans will be taken keeping vision and reflexes of players in mind. 

The PCB is expected to announce on Wednesday (July 3) a pool of 30-35 players, who will be going through a quarantine camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore as part of preparation towards the bio-secure tour to England later this summer. 

Misbah Ul Haq, the team's head coach and chief selector, is planning to select 25 of those players for the three Tests and three T20Is that the side is scheduled to play in the UK. 

(Inputs from PTI)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 03 Jun, 2020

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