PSL 2020: PCB allows foreign players to leave country amid coronavirus fears

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has allowed foreign players, who are currently in the country for the ongoing fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), to leave if they fear the coronavirus pandemic that continues to spread in Pakistan amid government’s efforts to contain it.

Another case being reported in Karachi on Friday took the total number of infections in Pakistan to 22. The patient is a 52-year-old who returned from Islamabad two days ago. The latest case is the first in Pakistan to have no history of foreign travel.

“PCB allows all foreign players who wish to go back to their homes to leave their contracts with #PSLV. If a significant number leave, might really dent interest in the remaining matches. But few alternative options,” journalist Hasan Zaidi tweeted.

PCB allows all foreign players who wish to go back to their homes to leave their contracts with #PSLV. If a significant number leave, might really dent interest in the remaining matches. But few alternative options.

— Hasan Zaidi (@hyzaidi) March 13, 2020

The news comes a day after the Sindh government said the remaining matches of the popular T20 cricket championship in Karachi will be played without spectators.

“This decision has been made after consultation with all stakeholders including the Pakistan Cricket Board,” the provincial government spokesperson, Murtaza Wahab, tweeted.

#SindhGovt has decided that the remaining matches of PSL in Karachi will take place without any crowd. This decision has been made after consultation with all stakeholders including the Pakistan Cricket Board.

— Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui (@murtazawahab1) March 12, 2020

Most of Pakistan’s coronavirus cases have been reported in Sindh where authorities are taking strict measures to control the outbreak. No cases have officially been reported in Punjab, while two of the reported cases have surfaced in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).