Coronavirus outbreak: Pakistan to tour England in bio-secure environment
What's the story
Pakistan are all set to tour England in July for playing three Tests and as many T20 Internationals. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) gave green signal to England through a virtual meeting on Friday. PCB CEO Wasim Khan revealed the cricket boards have agreed for the tour, wherein the teams will play in a bio-secure environment. Here is more.
Quote
PCB has agreed in principle
"We had a very detailed and comprehensive discussion with the ECB on Friday regarding the tour and PCB has now agreed in principle to send our cricket team to England in July," Wasim said.
Discussion
Conditions of PCB for England tour
During the discussion, it was agreed the two teams will play the matches behind closed doors. PCB clarified that the living arrangement for players and staff members should be there inside the ground. Notably, 25 players will travel to England on four chartered flights respectively, in the first week of July. The will players have to complete their quarantine periods.
Information
ECB will be looking to reinstate cricket
The agreement could rekindle ECB's quest to restore cricket in England. At the moment, England's home Test series against West Indies also looks uncertain. Meanwhile, England Cricket Director Ashley Giles has already announced player guidelines for resumption of cricket in the country.
Players
Players will not be forced to tour England
Wasim said he will brief the two captains, Azhar Ali (Test) and Babar Azam (ODI, T20I), on the impending tour. The other players will also be guided duly. He added that no player will be forced to tour England, against their will. "If a player doesn't want to go, we will accept their decision and take no disciplinary action," Khan said .
Measures
Biosecurity arrangements for the teams
Wasim reiterated the PCB will seek clearance from the government ahead of the tour. He also opened up on the safety measures to be adopted during the tour. "Manchester and Southampton will be the likely venues for the Test series and the ECB will announce a third venue soon," Khan said. "Biosecurity arrangements will be made and medical staff will remain with our team."