PCB announces to start domestic seasons under SOPs

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a “gradual resumption” of its domestic sporting activities across the country under Standard operating procedures (SOPs).

A spokesman for the PCB said that the board was monitoring the declining number of the coronavirus cases and the changing situation.

He added that he did not want to compromise on the health of the players, adding that various options were adopted to start domestic cricket.

According to a PCB statement issued today, over the two-part resumption, the board will first have a “soft reopening of the National High-Performance Centre by allowing only the current Pakistan cricketers to have the first use of the facilities”.

Besides, it would allow “recreational cricket” to be staged, albeit with strict adherence to government-issued protocols.

“In the next phase, the PCB will announce protocols under which the domestic cricket competitions will be held,” read the statement.

Earlier, the PCB had suspended all cricketing activities, including the Pakistan Super League 2020.

While the men’s national cricket team has since resumed their activities and are currently in England, the domestic operations have remained suspended all this while. 

The PCB earlier decided to conduct coronavirus tests for domestic cricketers. Earlier this month, the PCB announced that it would start its domestic season starting next month.

It was announced by the PCB that all the players of First XI and Second XI will conduct a coronavirus test.

Match officials including umpires and referees will also be tested in coronavirus. First XI matches are being considered in Karachi and second XI in Quetta.