While Pakistan Cricket Board termed reasons for pull out of England tour by middle order batsman Haris Sohail as personal, it has now been revealed that the left handed batsman pulled out owing to Coronavirus fears.
Apart from Haris,pacer Mohammad Amir will also not travel although his decision is based on personal reasons as his wife is due to give birth to their second child in August.
“Sohail’s family was concerned about COVID-19, so he requested to withdraw from the tour while Amir has withdrawn so that he can be at the birth of his second child,” a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesman confirmed.
Pakistan senior journalist Saj Sadiq also confirmed that Sohail pulled out due to COVID-19 fears.
Pakistan are due to play three Tests and three T20 internationals starting in August, with hosts England providing “bio-secure” arrangements in closed stadiums and hotels.
Amir retired from Test cricket last year but was due to play in the T20 games.
The England and Wales Cricket Board have provided special arrangements to reduce the risk of the coronavirus for their series in July against the West Indies, which precedes Pakistan’s visit.
Their matches will be played at Manchester and Southampton, both of which have hotels on site.