Coronavirus outbreak: Foreign stars playing in PSL 2020 to return home

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to hold the remaining matches of PSL behind closed doors after the spread of novel coronavirus

Amid coronavirus threat, foreign cricketers participating in the ongoing edition of the Pakistan Super League are set to leave before the conclusion of the tournament. The PSL is being played in Lahore and Karachi and still have 10 days to go but the foreign stars are on their way out as a precautionary measure, as confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

File image of England cricketer Jason Roy. (Action Images via Reuters)

“What is paramount is we are giving options to all the players and support personnel to withdraw from the league if they want too as ensuring they feel comfortable remains top priority of the PCB,” PCB CEO Wasim Khan was quoted as saying by PTI.

England players Alex Hales, Jason Roy, Tymal Mills, Liam Dawson, Liam Livingstone, Lewis Gregory, James Vince, West Indian Carlos Braithwaite, South African Rilee Roussouw and James Foster (Coach) will be returning home from the PSL.

The PCB had earlier decided to hold the remaining matches of PSL behind closed doors after the spread of novel coronavirus. The majority number of positive COVID 19 cases have been recorded in Karachi and the Sindh province.

“Following developments in the past 24 hours, the PCB has decided to take a pro-active approach and put in place precautionary measures to better safeguard the health and safety of all those who will be involved in upcoming matches,” PCB CEO, Wasim Khan said on Thursday.

“All matches at the NSK will now be held in front empty stadium,” he said. The PCB had decided to go ahead with the five PSL matches in Karachi after getting advice from the Sindh government and Thursday’s match saw a large turn out at the National Stadium.

The PCB also advised all team members to avoid handshakes and fans have been urged not to approach players for autographs and selfies. The teams have also been requested to limit public appearances. Khan said the decision was taken on advise of the Sindh government.

((With PTI Inputs))