ISLAMABAD (PAKISTAN ) – If players and officials violate coronavirus protocols, they will be expelled, said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This comes after 12 people flouted the “bio-secure bubble” during the National Twenty20 Cup in Rawalpindi.
After having spent time outside the bubble area near their hotel, nine players and three officials tested positive for the virus.
They were severely warned and made to pay for the tests, the board said.
“They have put at risk the integrity of the tournament and, health and safety of their colleagues,” PCB director of high performance Nadeem Khan said in a statement.
“This is completely unacceptable to the PCB and following meetings with the concerned players and their team officials, it has been agreed there will be zero-tolerance for future breaches, and those violating the protocols will be expelled from the ongoing and future tournaments.”
The country is all prepared to host Zimbabwe for three one-day internationals and several Twenty20 matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore in a limited-overs series from Oct. 30.
“I expect the players and officials to show responsibility as the world is watching and international cricket is standing at our doorsteps,” he said in the statement.
“Their irresponsible actions can put into jeopardy all the efforts of the PCB in organising and inviting sides during these challenging COVID-19 times.”