[VIDEOS] Stranded Pakistani first-class cricketers reach home from Sri Lanka [Post #13]

[Savak]

KARACHI: A dozen Pakistani first-class players and three tennis players find themselves stuck in Sri Lanka due to the suspension of all international flights in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the outbreak has led to suspension sports activities all around the world, in this case, it has also led to a testing time for the cricketers and tennis players.

Azhar Attari, a prominent first-class player, confirmed on phone that they were still in Colombo waiting to fly home.

Attari said he and 11 other players had reached Colombo around December to play in some first-class and one-day games, making them eligible to sign work permits to play league cricket in the UK.

He explained the need to play first-class cricket in Sri Lanka arose after the Pakistan Cricket Board ended the role of departmental teams in domestic cricket with just six provincial teams playing first-class cricket, reducing opportunities.

Another first class cricketer, Abid Hasan, said they are constantly in touch with the Pakistan High Commission to fly back home even on chartered flights as their money had run out after having to stay indoors for so long due to the lockdown in Colombo and its outskirts.

"They relaxed the lockdown for a few hours but yesterday again imposed a 24-hour lockdown due to a spike in cases," he said.

He said the local clubs had been kind enough to provide accommodation to the players when the lockdown started but the rest of the expenses they had to take care of themselves.

Attari said he had even gone back to Pakistan for a while after the death of his mother but came back to complete his five first-class matches requirement.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...ofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Video messages from stranded cricketers

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[The Viper]

Very tough situation for these players. Hopefully they can get a flight soon and reunite with their families.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Unfortunate, hope they get back as soon as possible.

 

[MenInG]

Video messages from stranded cricketers in post #1

 

[Bewal Express]

The PCB has done some good stuff but the failure to turn the City competition( if it exists all) into FC cricket has forced these poor guys into difficult situations. Can [MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION] contact Wasim Khan and ask him why PK cricketers are forced to play in SL to qualify for league cricket in England.

 

[Pakhs]

The PCB has done some good stuff but the failure to turn the City competition( if it exists all) into FC cricket has forced these poor guys into difficult situations. Can [MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION] contact Wasim Khan and ask him why PK cricketers are forced to play in SL to qualify for league cricket in England.

Because they are not good enough to get into first XI sides anymore and 2nd XI competition is not classed as first class games. If you look at these players they are over aged and clearly not at a level where they should be allowed to play first class cricket. These are the players who may have been good enough for a season or two and just made it into first class cricket during golden period. I have seen these guys play for very low division leagues in UK.

 

[Saj]

The players have been told to keep quiet.

I hear some are going home tomorrow.

 

[adzzy786]

I don’t understand why they never left when they could and left it last minute and got stuck.

 

[sweep_shot]

They may have to be stranded for a while. It is not comforting but it is what it is.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Atleast they are in a country with not many cases.

 

[Abdullah719]

One batch of Pak players stranded in SL return home, others to follow

The Pakistan sportspersons stuck in Sri Lanka due to the lockdown in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak have been provided travel assistance and while half of the players had returned home on Tuesday morning, the second half is expected to be back soon.

Speaking to IANS, sources in the know of developments said that the players were in touch with the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo and travel arrangements were made so that they can be back to the country safely.

“The players were directly in contact with the Pakistan HC in Colombo. Some have returned to Karachi this morning by a special flight, while the rest will be returning in the second batch,” the source said.

With the Pakistan Cricket Board doing away with departmental teams in domestic cricket, players have been forced to look at opportunities outside the country and that saw the players travel to Sri Lanka in the first place.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...s-to-follow/story-REIlIS5yRdJoSvCrwhn0oM.html

 

[MenInG]

PakPassion understands that 5 players have already gone and remaining 5 will leave on Monday.

 

[MenInG]

Good News!

Abid Hasan has confirmed that all stranded players have reached Pakistan and will be tested first then they can return to their homes.