Lahore [Pakistan], February 16 (ANI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday urged players, players support personnel, and match officials featuring in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2021 to follow the bio-secure and COVID-19 protocols to ensure health and safety of all participants as well as the integrity of the 34-match event.
During a busy season, three players were found to have violated the protocols in pre-season while only one player was found guilty of violating the bio-secure protocols and was immediately sent packing.
With over 120 players, 60 player support staff, around dozen match officials, family members, and event staff in the bubble of the PCB’s marquee event, it is critical than ever before for everyone to respect, implement and follow the protocols, which have been designed in the best interest of all participants and were shared late last month.
To further facilitate the six sides, the PCB has assigned a COVID Compliance Officer (COO) with each side, who will be supervised by the event doctor. The compliance officers will be responsible for player testing, implementation of PCB COVID-19 protocols, sanitisation, and players’ temperature checks. If required, they will escalate the matter to the event doctor.
Within the hotels, players have been provided with housekeeping and entertainment rooms with separate dining areas/meal rooms and dedicated lifts.
Dr Sohail Saleem, PCB – Director, Medical and Sports Sciences said: “This is an extremely critical phase in the tournament as the sides are in the process of assembling in Karachi. As such, it is important that each side provides a detailed and thorough briefing to their players on the dos and the don’t during the competition so that there are no misunderstandings and the event can not only commence successfully but progress in a safe and secure environment.”
“The PCB Covid-19 protocols are simple and straightforward but stringent. We implemented these successfully during the domestic and international matches, and there is no reason why we cannot ensure these are followed during the Pakistan Super League,” he added.
As per PCB COVID-19 protocols, all participants entering the bubble require two negative tests and a mandatory 72-hour quarantine period before being allowed to resume training and integrating with all members.
As the Pakistan T20I members had moved from the Lahore bubble, they required a 24-hour quarantine period besides a negative test.
PSL is set to begin from Saturday with Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators locking horns in the tournament opener. (ANI)