Sindh govt bans spectators’ entry to PSL matches in Karachi

KARACHI (92 News) – The Sindh government has banned the entry of spectators to Pakistan Super League 5 matches at National Stadium, Karachi. The Karachi commissioner has informed the PCB officials about the decision. During a video meeting on Thursday, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said that the government cannot take further risk. He demanded that the federal government should close all national borders to contain the spread of coronavirus. “The Federation is not guiding us and the Sindh government is dealing with coronavirus lonely,” he said. H said that it would be harmful to keep the people in a group in Taftan. The chief minister said that the ban was being imposed due to fear of coronavirus. Before the qualifying round, Pehawar Zalmi will take on Multan Sultans on March 14 and Karachi Kings will face off Islamabad United on March 15 at National Stadium, Karachi. Following advice from the Sindh government, the Pakistan Cricket Board has made a decision to stage the upcoming Pakistan Super League 2020 matches in front of empty National Stadium. The Sindh government has strongly advised the spectators to continue to take all necessary precautionary measures. The precautionary decision has been made to better protect the health and safety of the spectators, players, officials and media. In the meantime, the PCB has advised all players to avoid shaking hands and have also urged the fans not to approach the players for autographs, photographs and selfies. In addition, the PCB has decided the sides will not be required to shake hands with each other or opposition in the lead up to and during the matches and use a fist bump / verbal greeting instead. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “Health and safety is paramount and takes precedence over cricket. The PCB takes the health and safety of its players, spectators, officials, media, service providers and security personnel very seriously.” ICC Medical Advisory Committee’s advisory:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 per cent alcohol if soap and water are not available
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with sick people
• Avoid travel if you are sick
• If you have a cough or fever, then seek medical review
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.