PSL 2020: Multan Sultans player James Vince tests positive for COVID-19

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is all set to resume the 2020 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2020) which has halted in March. Four PSL teams namely Multan Sultans, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, and Peshawar Zalmi had qualified for the playoffs and will feature in the remaining four matches which will be played in Karachi on 14, 15 and 17 November.

Before the commencement of the marquee event, the franchise Multan Sultans are hit by a massive blow as England’s right-handed batsman James Vince has tested positive for COVID-19. Getting diagnosed with coronavirus has put the involvement of England’s player in PSL in doubt.

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, Vince is asymptomatic and will imminently undergo a second test. However, as per the coronavirus guidelines, he would have to self-isolate himself for 10 days from the date of the positive test. Vince has also signed for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL), but with the start date just over a month away, he should still be able to take part.

After the news of James Vince testing positive for COVID-19 broke out, Multan Sultans is hoping to name Joe Denly as his replacement. They had earlier named England’s Moeen Ali as a replacement for Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah who had also tested positive for the virus earlier this month.

Potential changes in squads of four franchises

As many overseas players had to withdraw their names from the Pakistan Super League for their international duties, all the four franchises have made potential changes in their squad. A total of 21 foreign players will feature in the league; one each from Australia and New Zealand, two from Bangladesh, six from England, seven from South Africa, and four from the West Indies.

One big change is the inclusion of South African great Faf du Plessis in Peshawar Zalmi squad. The batter will be making his debut in the league and was named as a replacement for Kieron Pollard. Along with Faf, Zalmi has also roped in Hardus Viljoen, Yasir Shah, and Khurram Shahzad in the place of Liam Dawson, Lewis Gregory, and Amir Khan.

Speaking of Karachi Kings, Sherfane Rutherford comes in for Chris Jordan and Waqas Maqsood has effectively replaced Ali Khan. Lahore Qalandars have also made three changes to their squad as they replaced Chris Lynn with Tamim Iqbal while Abid Ali replaces Salman Butt and Agha Salman takes over from Seekkuge Prasanna.