Violation of COVID-19 guidelines sometimes can cost you a dream. This statement stands very true in the case of Quetta Gladiators’ pacer Naseem Shah who deeply regrets violating COVID-19 SOPs since it cost him a place from the remaining matches of the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2021).
After the Pakistan Cricket Board decided to drop him from the remaining PSL matches being played in Abu Dhabi from June 5, the pacer voiced his sorrow saying “I cannot express in words how I feel right now,” Naseem Shah said in a tweet on Monday.
“I want to play cricket as it [playing cricket] is my life.”
Naseem Shah’s heartfelt note on social media said that he has worked very hard as he was excited about the PSL matches.
“I abide by all the instructions conveyed to us through the group. I do not know how I missed that particular message.”
He said.
امیں نے بہت محنت کی اور پPSL کے لئے پرجوش تھا- میں گروپ کے تمام میسجز دیکھ کر ہدایات پوری کرتا ہوں۔ پتہ نہیں کہ اس میسج کو کیسے مس کر گیا۔ میں کرکٹ کھیلنا چاہتا ہوں کرکٹ میری زندگی ہے اور میں بیان نہیں کر سکتا کہ کیسا محسوس کر رہا ہوں۔ اللہ مجھے مضبوط بنائے گا اور میں واپس آؤں گا pic.twitter.com/SfqGBsvmUf
— Naseem Shah (@iNaseemShah) May 24, 2021
This painful time reminded him of his mother who passed away in 2019 when the pacer was on a tour in Australia.
He concluded the message with a prayer: “Allah will make me strong. I will make a comeback,” he added.
Naseem Shah, along with all those traveling onboard the chartered flights from Karachi and Lahore to the UAE, was directed to submit the negative reports of PCR tests taken not more than 48 hours prior to arrival at the hotel on May 24.
However, the report Naseem Shah presented was of the test that was conducted on May 18. On the recommendation of the independent Medical Advisory Panel for PSL, the pacer was dropped out from the lineup flying to Abu Dhabi.
“The PCB doesn’t take any pride in releasing a young fast bowler from its marquee event but if we will ignore this breach, then we will potentially put at risk the entire event.”
Babar Hamid, Director Commercial and head of HBL PSL 6 said.
We appreciate the Quetta Gladiators for accepting this decision as it confirms we are all aligned to strictly following and implementing the protocols.”
He said the board would not compromise on the COVID-19 SOPs as it was about the health of all the team members.
“This decision will also send out a loud and clear message to all involved in the remaining matches that the PCB will not compromise on any violations and will expel the player or player support personnel irrespective of his stature and standing in the game if they are found to be flouting the prescribed protocols or regulations.”
Babar Hamid noted.
“All participating in the tournament must understand that these protocols have been put in place for the health and safety of all involved as well for the integrity and credibility of the event and the PCB.”
“As such, the onus is on them to ensure these are followed in its true letter and spirit and without exception.”
he added.
