Former Pakistan’s skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq has weighed in his opinion that the decision to cancel the Manchester Test was the right one. His statements came following a COVID-19 outbreak in the Indian contingent and the 5th Test match was canceled after the Indian players couldn’t take the field on Friday.
Ever since the 5th Test match between India and England was canceled, the cricket fraternity has been divided into two parts. Several former England cricketers have come out against the Indian cricketers and cricketing board, citing that the upcoming IPL 2021 is the reason behind the cancellation of the Test.
While many are criticizing the Indian side, former Pakistani cricketer Inzamam-ul-Haq has come out in support of the Indian decision. He also praised the Indian side for their performance in the series. He said:
“It is unfortunate that the fifth Test between India and England couldn’t go ahead due to Covid. It was a great series but to be fair to India, they were playing the fourth Test as well without their coach and support staff. But they showed great determination on the field,”
Pakistan have recalled opener Ahmed Shehzad and Kamran Akmal in separate squads for the four-match Twenty20 and three-match one-day series in the West Indies starting later this month. / AFP PHOTO / ARIF ALI (Photo credit should read ARIF ALI/AFP/Getty Images)
Furthermore, Inzamam-ul-Haq went on to explain the importance of physiotherapists in the Test match and talked about how they remain in close contact with the players. Haq reckoned that though the Indian players test negative in the latest Test of COVID-19, but it is always difficult to manage on-field without support staff, especially physio. He said:
“It is very difficult to play without the support staff. When you are injured or are facing a niggle, you need a trainer or physio to help you recover and make you match-fit. People must be wondering why India pulled out despite all their players being fit. The physios and trainers are very important. After a day’s play in a Test match ends, the physio’s job begins. He needs to treat the players and keep them in shape for the upcoming day’s play. So, it would be wrong to say that India pulled out despite their players having tested negative,”
