HBL PSL 7: Foreign players frustrated with strict bio-bubble life

The foreign players part of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) season seven are now left frustrated with the strict protocols of bio-bubble set up by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Islamabad United's Alex Hales and Quetta Gladiators' Ben Duckett pulled out of the remainder of the HBL PSL 7 due to bubble fatigue. Others have asked to provide some more facilities in an open-air environment.

Several Pakistan players are also unhappy that they are confined to the hotel and stadium and families are also not allowed to stay with them.

PCB has set strict bio-bubble protocols for HBL PSL 7 as they faced postponements in the last two editions of the league due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The entire hotel had been booked in Karachi while a separate wing of the hotel in Lahore is reserved for PSL. The tournament has been going smoothly thus far.

Players took part in golf sessions in Karachi while Lahore Qalandars organised dinner in a safe environment, however, no activity has taken place in Lahore yet.

Foreign players usually get cramped up and in this regard, a PSL team official said that PCB has to do something about the hard bio bubble protocols  "Foreign cricketers can not spend their free time playing ludo or carom, they want to visit outdoor places, many big names did not come to Pakistan because of the hard bio bubble."

Meanwhile, an unnamed player opined that they are far away from normal life. "Living in an environment like this for one month is not easy, the covid-19 cases is also at a decline, PCB needs to revisit their policies regarding the bio bubble."

On the other hand, PCB Director Media Samiul Hasan Burney told Express correspondent that the individuals are getting great treatment and facilities in the managed environment.

"This environment has been planned to keep individuals safe from the virus and also to keep league's reputation and integrity high."

"PCB has provided various outdoor games for the players at National High-Performance Center (NHPC) and Barbecue facilities have also been provided to them. Teams have provided outdoor activities to its players and PCB is also helping them with the facilities in this regard."