The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in a statement on Twitter, urged everyone to refrain from spreading unconfirmed reports as no player or support staff that participated in HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 5 has yet been tested positive for coronavirus.

“PCB reiterates NO player or support staff has tested positive for COVID-19 to date,” the statement said. “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,” it added.

Earlier today, a Pakistani journalist had posted an article which suggested that England cricketer Alex Hales has tested positive for aforementioned virus.

However, Hales took to Twitter, to clarify that the news was false.

“Stop spreading fake news, dangerous behavior,” Hales tweeted.

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has also requested people to not spread rumours and take adequate precautionary measures.

“Humble request to all plz Stop spreading Rumours about Corona , Stop blaming others & Follow the precautions & Stay safe,” Hafeez tweeted.

Hales has returned to England from Pakistan and gone into self-isolation amid the coronavirus pandemic.