Alex Hales in self-isolation over coronavirus symptoms

LONDON: Karachi Kings’ foreign import Alex Hales has confirmed that he is in self-isolation after developing coronavirus symptoms.

The 31-year-old England batsman returned home early from the Pakistan Super League on Saturday, and began feeling ill on Sunday.

Hales is awaiting a test to confirm whether he has the virus.

In a statement released to the PA news agency, Hales said: “In the light of the speculation and rumour that is currently circulating within the cricket world and on social media, I felt I needed to give a full explanation of my situation.

“Like many other overseas players, I reluctantly left the Pakistan Super League early because, with Covid-19 reaching global pandemic status, I felt it was more important to be with my family rather than face a period of lockdown thousands of miles from home.

“I returned to the UK in the early hours of Saturday morning feeling perfectly fit and healthy and with absolutely no symptoms of the virus.

“However, I awoke early on Sunday morning having developed a fever and followed the government’s advice of self-isolation, a process I am obviously still following having developed a dry and persistent cough.

“At this stage it has not been possible to be tested although I am hopeful that might be the case later today so that I can get absolute confirmation of my current health status.”

The Pakistan Super League has subsequently been postponed, on the day the semi-finals were due to take place.

PCB reiterates NO player or support staff has tested positive for COVID-19 to date.

We urge all stakeholders to show responsibility and wait for official confirmations.

Factually incorrect messages will further compound what is already a complex global health and safety matter.

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 17, 2020

Along with Hales, Tom Banton and James Vince would likely have been involved in the semi-finals but they had also already left the country.

Moeen Ali, Ravi Bopara and Chris Jordan were among those expected to feature in Lahore on Tuesday. The final was scheduled to be played on Wednesday.