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KARACHI: All-rounder Shahid Afridi has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the seventh season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Afridi, who is representing Quetta Gladiators in his farewell season, was already set to miss the initial games due to a back injury. Quetta Gladiators’ captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has also confirmed that Afridi will be rested whenever possible due to the recurring injuries.
“Quetta Gladiators star all-rounder Shahid Afridi has tested positive for Covid,” a brief statement by the Gladiators said. “He will do quarantine at home following PCB’s protocols. He will be reintegrated into the squad after seven days of quarantine and negative test,” it added.
Afridi went to a hospital on Wednesday after seeking permission from the team management. He had said that he will complete the required three-day quarantine period, after which he will join the squad.
He had asked the franchise management to excuse him from the bio-secure bubble due to personal and health issues. Afridi reportedly told the management that he was suffering from back pain and that a relative of his wife had passed away.
The 46-year-old also missed the second half of PSL6 due to a back injury, as well, while playing for Multan Sultans. Afridi has vast T20 cricket experience under his belt, 4395 runs in 326 matches at a strike rate of 154.21 and also claimed 344 wickets.