Pakistan all-rounder Kashif Bhatti has become the first member of the visiting team to test positive for coronavirus after landing in the UK. The 33-year-old was one of the three players who had flown to the UK in the second week of the month. As per a report in Cricketpakistan, Bhatti has entered self-isolation. The PCB is waiting for the report by England Cricket Board. The all-rounder had initially tested positive for COVID-19 but his test returned negative on July 1. He, along with Haider Ali and Imran Khan, was cleared to fly to the UK after the trio tested negative for the second time in three days. The recent turn of events is likely to affect his participation chances in the series.
An official word on the matter is yet to be released by ECB and PCB. ECB has created a bio-bubble environment for the series and is hosting West Indies in three Test matches behind the closed doors at the moment. The board has been adhering to all the norms and dropped a selection bombshell by axing Jofra Archer, who went to his home before the second fixture. He will enter self-isolation and will undergo tests before joining the squad for the third game. The international fixtures between Pakistan and England start on August 5. The two teams will play three Tests and as many T20Is. The Three Lions will also host Ireland in three ODIs from July 30 to August 4.
