The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said it will assess and decide in “three to four weeks” if the tour to England will go ahead.

Cricket, like many sports across the globe, is currently on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic with boards around the world racking their brains on how and when to resume playing.

Pakistan are due to play three Tests in England, to start at Lord’s on 30 July, followed by three T20Is with tour scheduled to run until 2 September.

The PCB will, however, seek a number of assurances from England around the situation in that country with regards to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The UK has been one of the hardest-hit countries in the world in terms of infections and deaths, and has been in lockdown since the end of March.

PCB chairperson Wasim Khan said: “Health and safety is paramount for our players and officials and we are not going to compromise on it.”

“The situation in England is poor right now, and we will ask them about their plans.

“We are not making any decisions, but we will assess and decide in next three to four weeks.

“This isn’t an easy situation, and it isn’t an easy decision to make, because things are changing every day in England.

“There are so many things to be considered – flights, hotels and they are talking about bio-security stadiums… so if people ask me, I will tell them to wait and be patient.”

Pakistan were not the only visitors due to tour England in the upcoming months – the West Indies are supposed to play a three-Test series in June-July.

Reports have suggested that planning is underway within the ECB to set up a bio-secure environment in which six Tests can be played in July and August.

Khan continued: “So there is speculation that the tour might be extended, but I can confirm that this is presently not on the table.

“The West Indies tour to England is also uncertain, and we don’t know what to expect.

“So we are looking forward to the 15 May meeting and will see what are the options.”

– TEAMtalk media