England and Pakistan officials are mulling over a prospective 24-hour delay to the start of the first Test in Rawalpindi, after 14 members of the visiting contingent – including half the 16-man playing pool – were struck down by illness on Wednesday.
The issue is supposed to be a virus or bug rather than food poisoning. The unwell members have been asked to stay in their rooms to limit the risk of spreading the virus. Joe Root, speaking to the media on match eve, acknowledged that discussions were underway about a delayed start to the match.
We are in discussions with the PCB regarding the start of the first Test due to a viral infection within our camp.#PAKvENG https://t.co/EeHAN4jU63
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) November 30, 2022