Possible tour of England cricket team to Pakistan postponed

LAHORE: The England cricket team’s possible tour of Pakistan next year has been postponed.

According to sources, the England team may now come to Pakistan in September-October 2021 to play limited edition cricket. It may be recalled that the T20 series between the ECB and the PCB was likely to be played in January next year.

Sources said that the tour was not possible due to the busy schedule of the England players in the future tour program. The England Cricket Board was considering sending its C team due to the busy schedule of First XI.

According to sources, some ECB officials had expressed reservations over sending the C team. It has been reported that the England team will make a possible tour in September 2021 to play a three-match T20 series.

Moreover, England’s James Vince had ruled out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020 playoffs after he tested positive for COVID-19. James Vince, who was to play for the Multan Sultans, is the second cricketer of the Sultans to be ruled out of the PSL 2020 after contracting the virus. The 29-year-old found out about his diagnosis before his flight to Pakistan.

Vince is currently asymptomatic and will undergo a second COVID-19 test. However, the English cricketer is legally obliged to self-isolate for 10 days from the date of the positive test.

The sports outlet further stated that Multan Sultans are now looking at Joe Denly as a possible replacement for Vince. The latter has also signed up for Sydney Sixers in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL).