The last hurdle for the Pakistan Cricket team’s tour of England has been cleared. Prime Minister Imran Khan has given a go ahead for Test and T20I series in England.
The squad will fly via and England and Wales Cricket Board chartered flight later this month. The West Indies team is presently in England under a mandatory quarantine before their series starts from July 8.
Imran, Pakistan’s ICC World Cup winning captain, has given a nod ahead after a meeting PCB chairman Ehshan Mani, who had reportedly briefed the PM on matters related to cricket.
“The prime minister told Mani that the Pakistan team should go to England for the Test and T20 series as people want to see cricket and other sports activities to resume despite the coronavirus pandemic,” PTI has quoted a PCB source as saying.
Imran has reportedly asked the PCB chief to ensure that a proper protocol was put in place by the ECB to ensure the safety and health of all the players and officials who will be touring England.
Pakistan be playing three Tests and as many T20Is in England during August and September. Before the Pakistan series, England will be playing the home series against the West Indies.
The 43 member contingent –29 players and 14 officials – will spend 14 days in quarantine after reaching England and then another three to four weeks in a bio-secure environment. In isolation training, they will having nets and practice matches among themselves before the first Test.
The source said that Imran was briefed about the developments in Pakistan cricket and he told Mani specifically that no employee should be terminated in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“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.”