PSL teams set to enter biosecure bubble after completing quarantine

KARACHI: Those 200 players and officials of the HBL PSL teams who had flown to Abu Dhabi early last week were set to move to the biosecure bubble on Wednesday night after completing their seven-day quarantine.

According to sources, all the teams have been handed over tracking devices which they would use during their stay in the bubble.

Sources said that the fourth Covid test, third during quarantine, was conducted on Wednesday on all the 200 participants who had flown to Abu Dhabi a week ago.

Tests will be conducted every fourth day during the entire event which is expected to resume on June 9.

Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars were scheduled to hold a practice session at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Sources said that the PCB was trying to settle the issue of India’s broadcasters with the Abu Dhabi health ministry and held a meeting with them on Wednesday. However, no announcement was made till the filing of this story. The 16-member Indian broadcast crew was sent to Dubai after Abu Dhabi health ministry had shown reservations over their stay in the city.

The PCB has already stretched the event to June 24 due to various issues.

Meanwhile, sources in the quarantine said they were very depressed, going through the isolation both in Pakistan and Abu Dhabi. Franchises sources said it would be tough for the teams to catch momentum following long isolation.

Initially the PCB wanted to resume the event from June 1. However, due to visas and other matters the organisers are yet to announce the event’s schedule which has created an anxiety among the teams and fans.