PSL 6: Setback for Quetta Gladiators as Anwar Ali tests positive for Covid-19

The Quetta Gladiators manager, Faizan Lakhani confirmed the news on twitter and wrote, “Ali had been sent into isolation after testing positive for the infection”.

Quetta Gladiators have confirmed that the player is Anwar Ali. https://t.co/OFMmZpGoH5

— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) May 25, 2021

According to details, Anwar won’t travel to Abu Dhabi for the remaining matches of PSL after returning a positive COVID-19 result which was conducted on his arrival at the team hotel yesterday.

The 33-year-old, is currently under isolation in Karachi.

Anwar is the third individual to be ruled out of the tournament. Yesterday, Gladiators’ Naseem Shah was sent back home for violating COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Multan Sultans’ Shahid Afridi suffered an injury in the lower back during training because of which he will not be able to appear in the series.

In a Tweet, Shahid Afridi said that while training for PSL, he felt back pain.

“While training for the remainder of the HBL Pakistan Super League 6, I felt lower back pain and had to consult a doctor. Unfortunately, I have been advised to rest and can no longer accompany my team Multan Sultans for the Abu Dhabi-leg.

“I am disappointed that I would be sitting out of the tournament, but my best wishes, support and prayers are with the team to take the trophy.”

While training for the remainder of @thePSLt20, I felt lower back pain & had to consult a doctor. Unfortunately I have been advised to rest and can no longer accompany my team @MultanSultans. I am heartbroken ? as I was practicing and training really hard. pic.twitter.com/OjaHD1w9cg

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) May 24, 2021

As per Pakistan Cricket Board’s press release, the 44-year-old will not take part in the PSL after suffering a back injury.

Shahid, who appeared in the four Karachi-leg matches, has been replaced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s left-arm-spinner Asif Afridi who would be joining the Sultans squad in Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, Islamabad United have roped in left-handed batsman Umar Amin and West Indies opener Brandon King. The latest additions mean they have now have a complete 20-player squad.

Peshawar Zalmi have added Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Sameen Gul and Khalid Usman as reserve players in their squad.

It must be noted that the PSL squads have been confirmed for the Abu Dhabi leg. The squads will leave via chartered planes.