PSL called off after player shows COVID-19 symptoms

Lahore, March 17 - The ongoing season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been called off due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had already truncated the tournament and it was scheduled to hold a two-day knockout as opposed to a four-day playoff.

Pakistan Cricket Board CEO Wasim Khan on Monday confirmed that PSL was suspended after an overseas player, who had left Pakistan a few days ago, showed symptoms of COVID-19 and will undergo screening shortly.

"One overseas player has been suspected with coronavirus. However, we cannot reveal the identity of that player. But it's true that there is one suspected case," Khan said at the press conference.

Members of the league, including those in teams and production crew, are now expected to undergo tests in their respective countries.

On Tuesday, Multan Sultans were scheduled to take on Peshawar Zalmi in the first PSL semi-final while Karachi Kings were to take on Lahore Qalandars in the other last-four clash at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The PSL final was scheduled to take place on Wednesday evening. However, they now stand cancelled.

184 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported so far in Pakistan, reports The Dawn.

Many sporting events, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic across the world. The IPL 2020, which was originally scheduled to start from March 29, has been postponed till April 15.

IANS