The first Test between Pakistan and England is likely to be postponed after several players and officials of the Guest team were struck down by illness.
According to sources, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and England Cricket Board (ECB) are in talks regarding the postponement of the series opener, scheduled to start tomorrow. 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.
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.
The first test match is scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi cricket stadium from 1st December. The tickets for the first Test have already been sold out and the board has to look at different things before making a decision.
England is taking particular care over what they eat with the help of a chef, Omar Meziane, who has traveled with the team for this tour.
However, on Tuesday, some players reported feeling unwell and were told to stay in their rooms to limit the risk of spreading the virus.
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.
