MEE protocol to replace bio-bubble in Pakistan-Bangladesh cricket series

The Managed Event Environment (MEE) protocol will be used for the first time in the upcoming Bangladesh-Pakistan series, a top official of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed, reported Bangladeshi media on Sunday.

The ICC has recently adopted this MEE, which would replace the existing bio-bubble.

With this MEE protocol, cricketers will get a little relief from before. If anyone is tested negative in Covid-19 test, he can move freely, which was not possible in the bio-bubble.

  "The bio-bubble used to put a lot of pressure on cricketers. It is a long process. That is why the ICC has adopted the MEE protocol. It will be used for the first time in Bangladesh and Pakistan series," Manzoor Hossain, a doctor at the BCB's medical department, said.

"As a result, cricketers and coaching staff will not have to face the same restrictions as before. They will be able to roam free. The team will be able to move around the hotel, swimming pool, gymnasium, indoor, BCB academy and field as they want," he added.

Since March 2020, the lives of cricketers, coaches and support staff have been stuck in a bio-bubble as the cricket tried to return to the ground following a worldwide Covid-19 outbreak. At that time there was no opportunity for them to move outside the designated place. Room quarantine was mandatory to be done day after day.

Only the support staff and match officials can come in contact with the players while they are in the bio-bubble. As a result, the players could not keep in touch with any outsider.

🛬 Dhaka 🇧🇩#BANvPAK | #HarHaalMainCricket pic.twitter.com/M7fMXPy5Mo

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 13, 2021

Not only this, in the bio-bubble, they were regularly tested. With bio-bubble in the place, not only the players and support staff, but also the groundsmen and hotel workers have to abide by the rules.

This time relaxation is also coming in Covid-19 Test. Members of the two teams will have to be tested each time after six days gap.

In addition, it is strictly mandatory for the support staff to take two dozes of the vaccine. They will be allowed to enter the field only after showing that vaccine certificate.

 
Pakistan team to start net sessions on Tuesday
In the meantime, it’s been learned that the squad that landed in Dhaka has returned negative COVID-19 test results. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), put forth the development on Saturday, Crickwick reported. The squad is now set to start their net sessions from Monday, September 15. Pakistan have already named a strong 18-member T20I squad for the bilateral series abroad.

  Mohammad Hafeez, who played the T20 World Cup, has opted out of the tour as he wanted the youngsters to get an opportunity. Iftikhar Ahmed, who wasn’t a part of the mega event, replaced him. Iftikhar was also exceptional for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the previous edition of the National T20 Cup, having scored 409 runs and picking up eight wickets.

Haider Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Mohammad Wasim Jr, who all didn’t get a game in the World Cup, have been picked. Shadab Khan has been named as Babar’s deputy for the 20-over format

Pakistan squad
Babar Azam  (captain), Shadab Khan  (vice-captain), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shoaib Malik, Usman Qadir

Pakistan have looked in ominous form of late, having won all their five Super 12 matches in the World Cup. However, Australia beat them by five wickets to end their campaign in the T20 tournament. The loss also brought an end to Pakistan’s 16-match winning streak in the format in the UAE.