Naseem Shah- GETTY IMAGES
Naseem Shah- GETTY IMAGES

Naseem Shah, Pakistan pacer is reportedly going to re-enter PSL 2021 bio-bubble despite the Covid-19 protocol breach. Naseem Shah was released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) last week after he was found guilty of flouting the norms set by the board.

As per reports, after a meeting between PCB and PSL franchises, a compromise has been reached, thus paving the way for Naseem Shah’s return for the remainder of the T20 tournament which is to be held in UAE.

File Photo of Naseem Shah in action for Quetta Gladiators in PSL.(Twitter)
File Photo of Naseem Shah in action for Quetta Gladiators in PSL. (Twitter)

Naseem Shah’ Negative PCR Test Report Was Conducted On May 18 Contrary To PCB’s Protocols To Assemble At Hotel By May 24 With Negative Report Not Older Than 48 Hours

As per PCB’s covid-19 protocols, all players were asked to assemble at the team hotels by May 24 along with negative PCR test reports not older than 48 hours. Naseem Shah, 18, did arrive with negative reports but the test was conducted on May 18. Following the recommendation of an independent medical advisory, he was released.

In order to rejoin his PSL franchise Quetta Gladiators, Naseem Shah will have to be tested negative thrice for covid-19 – once before entering the team hotel. He will then be allowed to board the flight for Abu Dhabi.

A Covid-19 protocol violation nearly cost Naseem Shah his involvement in PSL 2021 Getty Images
A Covid-19 protocol violation nearly cost Naseem Shah his involvement in PSL 2021 Getty Images

Earlier, Babar Hamid, the commercial director and head of PSL, had said PCB isn’t happy about the turn of events leading to the release of Naseem Shah from the bubble.

“The PCB doesn’t take any pride in releasing a young fast bowler from its marquee event but if we will ignore this breach, then we will potentially put at risk the entire event. We appreciate Quetta Gladiators for accepting this decision as it confirms we are all aligned to strictly following and implementing the protocols,” Hamid had said.

“This decision will also send out a loud and clear message to all involved in the remaining matches that the PCB will not compromise on any violations and will expel the player or player support personnel irrespective of his stature and standing in the game if they are found to be flouting the prescribed protocols or regulations,” he added.

Naseem Shah is supposed to be the key player for Quetta Gladiators in the PSL. He rose to fame with his pace when he made his Test debut against Australia in November 2019 and then grabbed a hat trick in a Test match against Bangladesh at Rawalpindi last year. He has played in nine Test matches and grabbed 20 wickets.

Naseem Shah Has To Clear A Pre Isolation Covid-19 Test And Return Back To Back Negative Tests To Enable To Boars The Flight To Abu Dhabi

After a meeting between the PCB and the PSL franchises, there has indeed been a compromise with Naseem Shah offered a way back to the PSL. All he has to do is clear a pre-isolation Covid-19 test, which will allow him to re-enter the team hotel, and then return back-to-back negative tests, which will give him the green light to board the flight to Abu Dhabi.

Naseem Shah will play a part in PSL 2021
Naseem Shah will play a part in PSL 2021

Naseem Shah’s negative RT-PCR report was from a test conducted on May 18 instead, with the fast bowler placed in isolation on arrival. A three-member panel on the recommendation of the independent Medical Advisory Panel for the PSL later released him from isolation and confirmed his expulsion from the tournament.

Multan Sultans allrounder Shahid Afridi will not play any part in the remainder of the Pakistan Super League after being sidelined with a lower-back injury. The Sultans announced he felt pain in his lower back while training for the resumption of the league, with the doctor advising complete rest.
Shahid Afridi will be replaced by left-arm spinner Asif Afridi, who hails from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. With Shahid Afridi’s absence, the Sultans lose out on one of the competition’s most experienced players.
Afridi has participated in 50 PSL matches throughout his career, with Mohammad Nawaz the only spinner to have taken more wickets than his 44. He has also scored 465 runs at a strike rate in excess of 150 in a career that has also seen him play for Peshawar Zalmi and the Karachi Kings.