Bio-bubble was breached & compromised during PSL 2021: PCB

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s independent fact-finding committee has confirmed that there was a bio-bubble breach during the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The final report of Dr Syed Faisal Mahmood and Dr Salma Muhammad Abbas was handed over to PCB chairman Ehsan Mani on March 31. Mani will now study the report and will share the details with the board members. 

A source though has said that the report from the committee has confirmed that there was a bio-bubble breach. 

The PSL was earlier put to halt with immediate effects after the rise in COVID-19 cases. "Following a meeting with the team owners and considering the health and wellbeing of all participants is paramount, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to postpone the HBL Pakistan Super League 6 with immediate effect. The decision was made after seven cases were reported in the competition, which had started on 20 February," the statement on the PSL official website read.

The PCB had earlier faced the heat from the players and former cricketers. All-rounder Shahid Afridi went on to say that it was unfortunate the PCB had failed to have a plan B if something like this comes up. 

Former skipper Inzamam ul Haq slammed PCB and suggested that the board should have taken care of the players in a better way. “I would request the PCB to properly look after these players because if you don’t, incidents like Hafeez getting himself tested privately will happen,” Inzamam said.



 

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'Legends of Adelaide': CSK celebrate legacy of Faf du Plessis, Cheteshwar Pujara

The Chennai Super Kings have not walked away from the idea of having experienced players in the squad although suffering a rare setback in the last edition of the Indian Premier League. The franchise did not release the old horses such as Dwayne Bravo, Faf du Plessis before the auction for the upcoming edition and instead added more experienced players aged more than 30 years. The CSK bought the services of Cheteshwar Pujara, Moeen Ali and Krishnappa Gowtham in the auction earlier this year. The franchise is not lost on the legacy of their players as they have shared a picture of Faf du Plessis and Cheteshwar Pujara for their heroics in Adelaide. Notably, Faf du Plessis had made his Test debut in Adelaide in 2012 and proved to be a rock at the crease to resurrect South Africa from the brink of a big loss against Australia. He scored his maiden Test ton against the raring Australian bowling line up on the day four and five pitch at the Adelaide Oval. That draw in Adelaide helped South Africa in winning the series 1-0 against the Michael Clarke-led Australia. On the other hand, Cheteshwar Pujara was proved to the only shining light for India in the first Test of the series in 2018. India were reduced to a very shaky position on the first day of the Test before Pujara brought his best game forward and scored a century to lead India’s resurgence. Ultimately, India ended up winning the Test match and Pujara’s innings brought him a lot of plaudits from critics and fans. The win in Adelaide proved to be a stepping stone for India and they clinched the series 2-1. The Super Kings will be hopeful for similar heroic performances from the duo who is likely to bat at the top order for them in the upcoming edition. The franchise will face the Delhi Capitals in their first clash of the tournament on April 10.