The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a U-turn from their stance against Quetta Gladiators' pacer Naseem Shah and decided to allow him to join his team for the remaining matches of PSL 6. The board barred Shah from participating in the league following a breach in COVID-19 protocols.
Shah will stay in isolation before boarding the flight to Abu Dhabi along with the remaining members of the contingent. 202 PSL bound players, officials and crew members have already landed in Abu Dhabi and are currently undergoing isolation.
The PCB barred Naseem from participating in the league after he presented an old COVID-19 report. The PCB laid out strict COVID protocols and asked all the PSL bound players to assemble at the team hotels in Karachi and Lahore on Monday with a negative COVID report of not more than 48 hours old. However, Naseem presented a report from 18th May.
"The PCB does not take any pride in releasing a young fast bowler from its marquee event but if we will ignore this breach, then we will potentially put at risk the entire event. We appreciate Quetta Gladiators for accepting this decision as it confirms we are all aligned to strictly following and implementing the protocols," Babar Hamid, Director -- Commercial and head of PSL 6 had said in an official statement.
"This decision will also send out a loud and clear message to all involved in the remaining matches that the PCB will not compromise on any violations and will expel the player or player support personnel irrespective of his stature and standing in the game if they are found to be flouting the prescribed protocols or regulations. "All participating in the tournament must understand that these protocols have been put in place for the health and safety of all involved as well as for the integrity and credibility of the event and the PCB. As such, the onus is on them to ensure these are followed in its true letter and spirit and without exception."
Naseem played two matches for Quetta Gladiators in the first leg of PSL but failed to pick up a wicket and leaked runs at an economy rate of 11. Quetta Gladiators as a team had a disappointing outing and could only manage a sole victory in four games.
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