PCB likely to end COVID protocols for home series against West Indies

Pakistan successfully hosted Australia for three Tests, 3 ODIs and a one-off T20 International with the tour only concluding on April 5. The series was played in the bio-bubble with the players not allowed to come in contact with the outside public at all. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is now likely to end bio-bubble life for international matches after their experiment at the domestic circuit was successful.

PCB didn’t create a bio-bubble for the domestic One-Day tournament but the players were advised to take precautions. The board had to not impose any strict rules during the competition. All the 33 matches of the tournament went well without a single COVID case being reported.

Hence, the board is confident now to host international matches without the bio-bubble as well according to reports in Cricket Pakistan.

PCB to send COVID-free proposal to Cricket West Indies

Meanwhile, it is also understood that the PCB will send the proposal to play in a bubble-free environment to Cricket West Indies (CWI) as well. According to PCB’s planning, there will be no COVID testing on arrival for the Caribbean players and regular testing will not be done either. A particular individual will only be tested if he/she shows any kind of symptoms. If an individual is tested positive for the virus, then he/she will be isolated for five days.

The National Command and Control Center (NCOC) has also been abolished which has also led to all the government restrictions being lifted. International Cricket Council (ICC) has left it to the two boards to decide on this aspect, however, the consent of the visiting team and board is required for the same.

As far as the tour is concerned, West Indies are scheduled to tour Pakistan in June for three One-Day Internationals. While the venues are not yet confirmed, the three ODIs are expected to be played on June 6, 8 and 10 respectively.