The English opener, Alex Hales was speculated to have tested positive for the ongoing pandemic. He was among the many overseas cricketers to leave the fifth season of the Pakistan Super League midway in the wake of a “pandemic” in COVID-19. Into its final stage, the tournament has got postponed now.
With Hales returning back to England, speculation was making rounds regarding him testing positive for coronavirus in the Pakistani media. Former Pakistan captain and current commentators Ramiz Raja touched upon the same during his recent interaction with the reporters.
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While Raja merely hinted at Hales showing signs of the virus and being quarantined in England, Pakistani journalist Faizan Lakhani took to his Twitter account to confirm the same and later deleted his tweet. Following the murmurs regarding his health, 31-year old Hales himself cleared the air by replying to Lakhani under his tweet. “Stop spreading fake news, dangerous behaviour,” read Hales’ tweet.
Stop spreading fake news, dangerous behaviour
— Alex Hales (@AlexHales1) March 17, 2020
Soon enough, Lakhani and other Pakistani journalists in Ajmal Jani hinted at Gulf News publishing the report initially and changing it later on.
The story was published by Gulf News, they later corrected it. It was irresponsible behaviour.
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) March 17, 2020
the story was filed by Gulf News, had to take it off soon after your version. thank you!
— Ajmal Jami (@ajmaljami) March 17, 2020
Sports Management firm 366 Group, who manages Hales, then posted a statement on Hales’ behalf which contained details about his health.
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In the tweet, Hales also went to acknowledge having fever and dry and persistent cough a night after reaching the UK. While he has not been tested so far, Hales expects to get tested today and is practicing self-quarantine since Sunday as per the government’s directive.
An update on my situation, stay safe everyone pic.twitter.com/8mDPOBGmI8
— Alex Hales (@AlexHales1) March 17, 2020
In the seven matches that Alex played for Karachi Kings in PSL 2020, he scored 239 runs at an average of 59.75 and a strike rate of 156.20 including two half-centuries.
