PSL 2021: Quetta Gladiators' Anwar Ali tests positive for COVID-19

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to resume on June 5 with 20 matches set to be played in Abu Dhabi. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has laid out strict COVID protocols after what transpired earlier this year with positive cases inside the bubble. While the players were told to reach the hotel on Monday with a negative report, they were also due to be tested again before leaving for Abu Dhabi on May 26.

However, the preparations have been jolted yet again with Quetta Gladiators’ all-rounder Anwar Ali testing positive for COVID-19. The tournament seems to be over for him it seems with this positive result as the PCB is not leaving any stone unturned this time around.

Saj Sadiq of PakPassion revealed the news of Anwar Ali testing positive for the virus. He also stated that the cricketer is currently in isolation in Karachi. The replacement drafts took place only recently where all the teams signed a few home and overseas players but it remains to be seen whom the Gladiators will sign now to replace Anwar Ali, if he is ruled out, with only 24 hours left to leave for Abu Dhabi.

The Gladiators are already in trouble after Naseem Shah was ruled out of the PSL on Monday. He showed up with COVID negative report of May 18. It was told that they will need to come up with negative report of less than 48 hours and with PCB strictly adhering to the protocols, the pacer was told to return home.

Gladiators at the last position in PSL 2021

Meanwhile, Quetta Gladiators are left to cover a lot of ground in PSL 2021. They are languishing at the bottom of the points table with only one win in five matches. With two of their players not playing, they will be hoping for their existing squad and their senior cricketers to step up for them.

As far as Anwar Ali is concerned, he had played only one match of the season before it came to a halt and hadn’t picked any wicket. Even with the bat, he scored only a solitary run.