Pakistani player returns to squad in England after positive virus test: ECB

Published
3
Although the ECB did not name the player, Pakistani media identified him as uncapped left-arm spinner Kashif Bhatti. — ICC Twitter/File
Although the ECB did not name the player, Pakistani media identified him as uncapped left-arm spinner Kashif Bhatti. — ICC Twitter/File

An unnamed Pakistani cricketer has rejoined the squad in England after self-isolating following a positive test for coronavirus, it was announced on Thursday.

Pakistan are in England preparing for a three-Test series starting in Manchester on August 5, with those matches set to be followed by three Twenty20 internationals.

“A Pakistan player has been cleared to return to the squad after undergoing a precautionary period of self-isolation,” said an England and Wales Cricket Board spokesman.

“The player had returned a positive test result for the remnants of a previous Covid-19 infection and in consultation with Public Health England and a virologist, a safety-first approach was taken to isolate the player.

“The player has since returned two negative tests with no risk of infection to other players and staff.”

Although the ECB did not name the player, Pakistani media identified him as uncapped left-arm spinner Kashif Bhatti.

Thursday's announcement came on the same day that England fast bowler Jofra Archer was ruled out of the ongoing second Test against the West Indies at Old Trafford after breaching bio-security regulations.

Opinion

Editorial

Fixing bond markets
Updated 01 Oct, 2026

Fixing bond markets

Pension funds, insurance companies, mutual funds, retail investors, and eventually, foreign investors must become bigger participants in the market.
Call centre rackets
01 Oct, 2026

Call centre rackets

A NUMBER of recent raids conducted by the authorities in different cities point to the growing threat fraudulent ...
Homeward bound
01 Oct, 2026

Homeward bound

FIVE months after Somali pirates captured an oil tanker carrying a 19-member multinational crew, Somali maritime...
Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...