Alex Hales has finally shut down all the rumors
With the rapid spread of the Coronavirus in Pakistan, and around the world, authorities were bound to take strict measures to contain the transmission of the disease and the recent announcement to call off the on-going Pakistan Super League 2020 has been taken as a welcome decision.
As the PSL was called off earlier today, rumors started circulating that it was because Alex Hales of Karachi Kings had shown symptoms of Coronavirus
In a press conference in Lahore, MD Pakistan Cricket Board Wasim Khan stated, “Nobody is playing cricket internationally, it is a pandemic situation. Safety comes first, cricket comes second.”
He further explained, “We have been following the government’s advice [in the matter]. First, we took the decision to play matches in empty stadiums, then we gave players the option to leave, then we reduced the number of matches, we took 2-3 measures but after this suspected case, we made this decision.”
Alex Hales, who plays for the English cricket team, had recently announced he was immediately leaving Pakistan after the coronavirus became more widespread globally
Before the PSL was completely called off this morning, a majority of the foreign players had already returned to their countries due to safety concerns. The commentators and other players all are going to get tested, according to reports.
Not the way I envisaged my PSL to come to an end, but I want to thank all of the @karachikingsary family and the whole of Pakistan for a really enjoyable month. Hopefully we can lift the trophy on Wednesday and I look forward to coming back next year, fingers crossed! #psl
— Alex Hales (@AlexHales1) March 13, 2020
While the PCB didn’t officially name the player they suspected of showing Coronavirus symptoms, Ramiz Raja did give an interview naming him
Ramiz Raja Reveals the name 😭
ALEX HALES 😞#PSLV #coronavirusinpakistan #HBLPSL #Ramiz #lala #MSvPZ#Alex #Hales #COVID2019 pic.twitter.com/Awl7YcnJkS— Kazim.Zaidi🇵🇰 (@Kazim_zaidii) March 17, 2020
This led to fans being angry that the PCB wouldn’t officially confirm which of their favorite cricketers could possibly have been diagnosed with the ongoing disease
Alex Hales
Just name him. https://t.co/VgpdA0rtkg
— Dennis #KalaJora (@DennisCricket_) March 17, 2020
Thankfully, Alex just issued a statement putting to rest all the rumors about his health
While his statement assures he arrived in the UK as a healthy individual, he does reveal that he woke up the next day with fever but hasn’t been allowed to be tested yet. This could possibly be because of the policy in place by the UK Government that not everyone showing symptoms of fever or cough are tested without it persisting for at least a week.
An update on my situation, stay safe everyone pic.twitter.com/8mDPOBGmI8
— Alex Hales (@AlexHales1) March 17, 2020
While this statement does put to rest rumors, the fact that it doesn’t confirm that Alex doesn’t have the current pandemic virus does put a bit of a dark cloud.
Cricket fans said that they understand the intensity of the situation because safety comes first
All of them appreciated this move by PCB to cancel the on-going PSL and stated that is a wise decision.
Sad to hear that PSL is postponed but safety is the first priority. A moment of appreciation for PCB who took a timely step. As a squash player, i love to watch cricket whenever I got time. My prayers and wishes is with the players and management#HBLPSLV
— Farhan Mehboob (@farhanmehboob91) March 17, 2020
Psl postponed. Health and safety comes first! Wise decision taken by PCB. May Allah protect us all.#HBLPSLV
— Amtul (@AmtulAltamash) March 17, 2020
Well done @RealPCB_Live PSL postponed..Health and Safety 1st..
Bye Bye PSL 😢😢#PSLV2020 #COVID2019— Muhammad Usama Ajmal (@usama_0008) March 17, 2020
Hope you’re washing your hands properly and for at least twenty seconds. Stay safe everyone!
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Cover image via: bbc.co.uk