Islamabad vs Quetta match delayed after player tests positive

Monday night’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) match between Islamabad United (IU) and Quetta Gladiators (QG) has been delayed after legspinner Fawad Ahmed tested positive for COVID-19.

Ahmed had reportedly shown symptoms two days ago and had been immediately isolated, his franchise Islamabad United said in an official statement. Other members of Islamabad United have returned negative tests while the Quetta Gladiators players are being tested.

In an announcement, PCB said: “A player from one of the sides featuring in this evening’s match has tested positive. The player had shown symptoms two days ago and had been immediately isolated.”

“Members of his side have tested negative while the players of the other side are being tested,” the tweet added.

Match start time to be confirmed shortly.

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 1, 2021

PCB also later confirmed the match will start after some delay at ‘9 pm’.

Later, the official account PSL and IU also tweeted and confirmed the news, writing: “One of our players, Fawad Ahmed tested positive for Covid and was immediately put in isolation 2 days ago. All other Islamabad United players & members have tested negative & have been cleared to play.”

“We wish Fawad a speedy recovery. Sherus are ready to roar tonight,” the tweet added.

🚨 UPDATE 🚨

The match is scheduled to start at 9pm now. All other teams are currently undergoing Tests. Islamabad United are cleared to play.

— Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) March 1, 2021

The game, which scheduled to begin at 7 pm local time, has been pushed back to 9 pm.

Fawad also took to Twitter and wrote: “Thanks for all the kind messages, please keep remember me in ur prayers, much needed raising hands IU and PSL, and please everyone stay safe.”

Thanks for all the kind messages, please keep remember me in ur prayers, much needed 🙌🏽 @IsbUnited @thePSLt20, and please everyone stay safe 👍🏽

— Fawad Ahmed (@FawadAhmed52) March 1, 2021

PCB later announced that the match is rescheduled for Tuesday, March 2 at 7 pm. The match is rescheduled to ensure players from both sides get time to prepare for the game.

The good news for the spectators who bought the tickets for tonight is that their tickets will be valid for tomorrow’s game as well.

Test results of both Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United squads have come back negative.

This is being done to ensure players from both sides get time to prepare for the game.

Tickets will be valid for tomorrow.#HBLPSL6 #IUvQG

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 1, 2021