Three foreign players of the Quetta Gladiators franchise, including Australian all-rounder James Faulkner, West Indian batsmaan Shimron Hetmyer and Luke Wood, have tested positive for Covid-19 virus ahead of their departure for the Pakistan Super League (PSL). All three players are reported to be missing Quetta’s first match against Peshawar Zalmi scheduled to take place on January 28.
The trio tested positive before reaching Pakistan and their arrival has been delayed as they have been placed in quarantine.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on January 19 (Wednesday) that the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has approved 25 per cent crowd attendance for the league.
Various Covid-19 guidelines
Given the capacity of the National Stadium in Karachi around 8,000 spectators will be allowed inside the venue each match day but to ensure their health and safety as well as others attending the matches, the spectators’ entry will be subject to strict Covid-19 protocols.
Originally the PCB had planned to allow full capacity of spectators for all the matches.
PCB Chief Operating Officer and PSL Tournament Director Salman Naseer said that spectators are the essence of any sport event and in this background, they hope to set the stage with 25 per cent crowds to attend the Karachi matches.
“As a responsible organisation, we completely understand our obligations in relation to health and safety of the fans and will leave no stone unturned in strictly implementing the NCOC guidelines," he said.
“However, we will also require complete and unconditional support from the spectators so that they and others can continue to enjoy the matches in a safe and secure environment. This is something they can do by simply following the guidelines," Naseer added.
Vaccination certificates
The protocols include individuals above the age of 12 years must be fully vaccinated. Valid vaccination certificates must be shown at the time of gaining access to the stadium and wearing of masks inside the venue is mandatory.
The NCOC will make a decision closer to time for the Lahore-leg matches scheduled in the Gaddafi. The matches in Gaddafi will be played from February 10 to February 27.
