Pakistan's veteran batsman Mohammad Hafeez tested COVID-19 negative on Thursday (August 13) after breaching the bio-security protocols in place for the ongoing tour of England amid the deadly pandemic. 

The breach was about Hafeez clicking a picture that he posted over social media with an elderly lady on a golf course adjacent to Ageas Bowl in Southampton, where England and Pakistan are contesting the second Test of their series. 

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As per the protocols designed for the safe conduct of the trip, players are required to maintain at least two-metre distance from anyone who resides outside the bubble. 

Following the news that got the social media buzzing, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated that Hafeez had been asked to self-isolate and also went through a test for Coronavirus, which thankfully turned out negative and he could rejoin the visitors' squad. 

This is the second breach of the health protocols during the international summer in UK. England fast bowler Jofra Archer was dropped for the second Test against West Indies in July after reportedly going back home in the short break following the end of the first Test. Archer was fined, forced to quarantine and was allowed to rejoin the England squad only after going through two negative tests. 

The PCB, however, hasn't taken as strict an action against Hafeez, who isn't part of the Test squad and is awaiting the start of the three-T20I series where he will be in consideration and with which Pakistan's long tour culminates in early September. 

(Inputs from ESPNcricinfo)