PSL 2021: Naseem Shah allowed to join bio-secure bubble after protocol violation

In the latest turn of events, Naseem Shah has been allowed to join the bio-secure bubble of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) three days after he violated the protocols. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has changed its mind and has allowed him to join the team hotel in Lahore. In the PSL, Shah plies his trade for Quetta Gladiators, led by former national skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Shah will stay in isolation before going to Abu Dhabi along with the contingent left behind by the first flight that took 202 personnel on Thursday, May 27. To start with, Naseem arrived at the Lahore hotel with a negative COVID-19 test, but there was a glitch as he presented the report of the RT-PCR test that was conducted on Tuesday, May 18.

Naseem Shah was ruled out of the PSL earlier

As per the protocols for the second leg of PSL 2021, the ones travelling from Lahore and Karachi were asked to assemble in the hotels on May 24 with reports of tests not more than 48 hours ago. Hence, Naseem was released from the PSL after recommendations of the tournament’s independent medical advisory panel.

“The PCB doesn’t take any pride in releasing a young fast bowler from its marquee event, but if we will ignore this breach, we will potentially put at risk the entire event. We appreciate Quetta Gladiators for accepting this decision, as it confirms we are all aligned to strictly following and implementing the protocols, ”Babar Hamid, the director and commercial head of PSL 6, was quoted as saying.

“This decision will also send out a loud and clear message to all involved in the remaining matches that the PCB will not compromise on any violations and will expel the player or player support personnel irrespective of his stature and standing in the game if they are found to be flouting the prescribed protocols or regulations,” he added.

When the first leg of the event took place in Pakistan, Shah played two matches, but couldn’t pick up a wicket and leaked runs at an economy rate of 11. The Gladiators are also placed at the bottom of the table with one win from four matches.