LAHORE: Middle-order bat­sman Haris Sohail has opt­ed out of the Pakistan cri­c­ket squad for the upcoming tour of England due to prevailing Covid-19 situation wh­ile pacer Mohammad Am­ir has preferred to stay at ho­me as his wife is expected their second child in July this year.

Sources said that Haris, who is one of the prime candidates for selection for the England tour, has become the first and only player so far who has decided not to tour England due to Covid-19 situation. The virus has spread a lot in England and it is natural for the players to e cautious about their health.

The head of the selection committee Misbah-ul-Haq, who is busy to pick 25-member team for the tour recei­ved a non-available message from both Haris and Aamir.

However, the PCB issued a press release saying:” Fast bowler Mohammad Amir and middle-order batsman Haris Sohail have pulled out of the upcoming England tour due to personal reasons.

“Amir has withdrawn so that he can be at the birth of his second child in August, while Haris will miss the tour because of family reasons.

“Pakistan will send 28 pla­yers and 14 member support personnel for the three Tests and three T20Is to be played in August and September.”

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2020