PSL 2020: Pakistan Cricket Board says league matches in Karachi will go ahead despite increase in number of positive coronavirus cases

Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday said the PSL matches in Karachi will go ahead as per schedule despite the increase in number of positive novel coronavirus cases in the city.

Representational image of Pakistan Cricket Board. Reuters

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches are scheduled to be played in Karachi from 12 to 17 March.

The Sindh government has confirmed that the total number of positive coronavirus cases in the province had jumped to 15, raising concerns about the spread of the disease.

But the country's national board said it has held constructive discussions with the provincial government and the two will work closely to ensure safety and health of the spectators.

"As it is always the case, the PCB is guided by the Sindh government in such matters. In this background, we are satisfied with the feedback the Sindh government has provided and the support it has assured," the PCB said in a statement.

"At the same time, the PCB has promised the Sindh government that it will work very closely with its commercial partner and support wherever it can to assist in the health and safety of the spectators."

The PCB also urged the people to throng the National Stadium to watch the matches.

A number of directives have been issued to the spectators to ensure safety from the coronavirus which includes refraining from hugging or shaking hands, using soap and sanitizers inside the enclosure.

The PCB has also set up a temporary hospital at its high performance centre to deal with any cases with space for isolation of patients.

Schools and colleges have been shut down by the Sindh government till 13 March and a spokesman said a decision to extend the closure will be taken by Thursday.