Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, approved the national cricket team's tour to England amid the COVID-19 pandemic this Monday (June 15). 

The former skipper and legendary all-rounder gave his nod of approval for the tour despite these difficult times after a meeting with PCB chairman Ehsan Mani in Islamabad. 

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"The prime minister told Mani that the Pakistan team should go to England for the Test and T20I series as people want to see cricket and other sports activities to resume despite the coronavirus pandemic," a PCB source told PTI. 

Imran, it is understood, also asked Mani and PCB regime to ensure the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has put in place proper health protocols for the safety of visiting players and officials. 

The national side is due to arrive in England at the end of this month and then contest in three Tests and three T20Is versus the three lions in August-September. 

The 29-man playing squad announced, as well as the 14 touring officials, will go through the necessary quarantine period, during which players will indulge in training, before the focus shifts primarily to the first Test. 

The dates and venues for the series are yet unannounced, but from the way the West Indies' trip in July is scheduled, it is likely that the grounds with on-sight or nearby hotel facilities will be preferred. 

Imran, meanwhile, also asked Mani to brief him over developments in the PCB and specifically told the chairman that no employee should be terminated during this phase. 

"Imran made it clear to Mani not to end the services of anyone until the pandemic is going on due to the dire economic forecast and problems facing the people," the source said. 

(Inputs from PTI)