Both players were tested for Covid-19 and they tested negative
Both players were tested for Covid-19 and both tested negative. As with the rest of their squad, they have cleared regular Covid-19 testing through the tournament, including one a couple of days ago. That is part of the ICC’s policy to encourage teams to test as often as possible.
The pair woke up on Wednesday morning with what an official described as “light flu and low fever” and were initially advised to delay training. That advice then changed to allow them to miss training altogether.
Rizwan and Malik have been key performers in Pakistan’s unbeaten run to the semi-final and losing either of them would be the first, real blow they have suffered in this campaign.
Pakistan have options as replacements should the need arise. Sarfaraz Ahmed, the former captain, would be the straight swap for Rizwan behind the stumps – and for the leadership value he would bring to a side that still respects him from the days he was captain. Haider Ali would likely step in for Malik, which could push Fakhar Zaman up to open alongside Babar.