At least 14 members of the England cricket team have been affected by Food Poisoning ahead of the first Test match against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
The first test match is scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi cricket stadium from 1st December.
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According to BBC, the squad members who have been affected by the virus include around eight players. “The England squad, including captain Ben Stokes, has been affected by a virus on the eve of the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi,” said the British channel.
“Around 14 members of the traveling party of players and coaches were advised to rest at the hotel on Wednesday.
“About half of the playing squad of 16 has been hit, with only five taking part in an optional training session.”
A statement by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) did not mention the number of people affected by a viral illness. ECB spokesperson confirmed that the illnesses were not Covid-19 related, with players experiencing vomiting and diarrhea.
“The PCB and ECB are in discussions regarding the commencement of the 1st PAKvENG Test as some England players are down with the viral infection,” PCB said in a tweet.
Former England Test captain Joe Root has dismissed the possibility of his team teammates falling ill due to food poisoning ahead of the first Test match in Rawalpindi.
“I don’t think it’s food poisoning or Covid or anything like that,” said Root as he responded to a query at a press talk in Rawalpindi today. It may be noted that the England team, led by Ben Stokes, landed in Pakistan with its team chef amid food concerns in Pakistan.
England and Pakistan will contest a three-Test series with the second in Multan beginning December 9 and the third in Karachi from December 17-21.
