Three Pakistani players including skipper Babar Azam violated the SOPs of COVID-19. In a video circulating on social media, Babar Azam along with bowler Naseem Shah and Imam-ul-Haq at Abdul Qadir Cricket Academy.
https://twitter.com/makhdoomab/status/1270415816618622978?s=20
The three players did not observer proper health and health safety measures during training. The Pakistani Cricket Board had decided not to hold a training camp for men ahead of their tour to England. The decision was taken in the view of the ongoing situation of coronavirus. PCB says the suspension of the training session is meant to ensure the safety and protection of cricketers.
Hence, the cricketers breached the strict Special Operating Procedures set by PCB. PCB reminded players to not to practice at cricket grounds during this period. Also, they must adhere to strict social distancing protocols. The PCB issued these instructions for the personal wellbeing of cricketers and their families.
Babar Azam urges people to follow COVID-19 SOPs
The video of Babar Azam breaching coronavirus safety protocols came as a shock to his followers. The cricketer urged people to take preventive measures since the outbreak of coronavirus in Pakistan.
He even urged people to practice social distancing and stay at home in the early weeks of lockdown. He even praised the works of the doctors, security professionals, and frontline workers who are devoting themselves to help and protect people.
As the lockdown is about to be eased, I'd still request you to keep practicing the measures of protection. Wear masks, wash your hands, only go out when absolutely necessary, and treat people with kindness. Together we can win this, iA. I wish & pray the best for you #RiseAndRise pic.twitter.com/rSYM0WLbPZ
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) May 9, 2020
The cricketer reminded his followers to keep observing social distancing before the lifting of lockdown.
“As the lockdown is about to be eased, I’d still request you to keep practicing the measures of protection. Wear masks, wash your hands, only go out when necessary, and treat people with kindness. Together we can win this, iA. I wish & pray the best for you #RiseAndRise,” wrote Babar Azam in a tweet.
In another tweet, he wrote, “A heartfelt thank you to the fearless frontliners who are serving day & night in this pandemic. We salute to you. #StayHome #RiseAndRise.”
Burn you comfort zone out. This is where the magic starts.
Here are some glimpses from my work out at home. Drop your videos/messages in comments and tell me how you are keeping yourself fit in this time of #PhysicalDistancing. Stay safe!#RiseAndRise pic.twitter.com/furDNKbOH8
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) March 26, 2020
During the lockdown, the cricketer even posted his videos of exercising and physical training at home during the lockdown.
Babar Azam appeared in ISPR’s song
Babar Azam even appeared in the ISPR song ‘Chal Para’ on COVID-19. ‘Chal Para’ paid tribute to the frontline workers- doctors, paramedic staff, and security forces. But it braces people for unusual circumstances after lockdown. The song educates on how people have to move and interact with others.
A heart felt thank you to the fearless frontliners who are serving day & night in this pandemic. We salute to you. #StayHome #RiseAndRise pic.twitter.com/aqnJAR3zJ7
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) May 31, 2020
A three-minute-long video also includes a small clip of Pakistan’s premier Imran Khan. In which he is explaining the rationale of uplifting lockdown in the country amid the health emergency of coronavirus.
Read more: ISPR’s ‘Chal Para’ video song guides nation on COVID-19 as Pakistan eases lockdown
The song then reasserts the message of fighting COVID-19 with courage. It reinforces the messages of adopting safety measures like social distancing and the use of hand sanitizers and masks. Moreover, it asks people to follow the SOPs following the resumption of business activities across the country after the ease in lockdown.