The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday said that fast bowler, Mohammad Amir, who had initially pulled out of England tour, will join the Pakistan squad following the birth of his second daughter last week.
According to the board, the white-ball specialist and masseur Mohammad Imran underwent COVID-19 tests on Monday and they must register two negative results before they can join the squad in England.
“If their first tests return negative, they will be moved to a bio-secure environment in Lahore where their second tests will be conducted on Wednesday, with the expected departures over the weekend,” the PCB said.
Meanwhile, Shoaib Malik’s departure has been delayed until the second week of August after India extended the ban on international flights until July 31, which, in turn, has delayed a planned family reunion. The board had allowed Malik to meet with his family, including wife Sania Mirza and son Izhaan Mirza, before joining the team. The board added that when Malik joins the squad for the T20I series, which starts on August 28 in Manchester, the team management will release a player.
On the other hand, all-rounder Khushdil Shah, who fractured his thumb, will miss the first test against England. Khushdil has been ruled out for up to three weeks after injuring his left thumb while batting during Saturday’s training session in Derby.
Abid Ali also survived a scare after being struck on the helmet while fielding at forward short-leg during an intra-squad match on Sunday.
“Abid is absolutely fine and will be available to resume training on Wednesday following Tuesday’s rest day,” team doctor Sohail Saleem said. “He underwent a precautionary CT scan which has also returned normal.”
The three-test series begins in Manchester on August 5, with the last two matches scheduled in Southampton.
Beginning on August 28, Pakistan will also play three Twenty20 Internationals against England with Manchester hosting all the matches.
