Mohammad Hafeez self-isolating after breaking bio-secure bubble rules during golf round

The Pakistan veteran is awaiting the result of a test for COVID-19 before being allowed to rejoin the rest of the squad

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Pakistan's Mohammad Hafeez has broken social-distancing rules during a round of golf and has been forced to self-isolate until he returns a negative test for COVID-19.

The 39-year-old's breach surfaced after he posted a photo taken with a women during his round at the golf course at The Ageas Bowl, which players are permitted to use, on social media.

But having had close interaction with a member of the public from outside of the bio-secure bubble in Southampton, venue for the second Test against England which starts on Thursday (August 13), Hafeez has been separated from his teammates.

He must now undergo a period of self-isolation and return a negative test for coronavirus before being allowed to rejoin the squad. Having undergone a test on Wednesday a result is expected within 24 hours.

A PCB statement said: "The decision to put Hafeez in isolation has been taken for his and, the safety and security of everyone around him.

Met an inspirational Young lady today morning at Golf course. She is 90+ & & living her life healthy & happily.Good healthy routine 😍👍🏼 pic.twitter.com/3tsWSkXl1E

— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) August 12, 2020

"The team management believes it was an inadvertent mistake, but a good reminder for everyone on the importance of following the bio-secure protocols, which have been designed for the health and safety of everyone involved in the series."

The incident all-but rules Hafeez out of the second Test, though he was not expected to be considered for selection.

Hafeez had previously tested positive for COVID-19 while in Pakistan, delaying his travel to the United Kingdom. After a private test delivered a negative result, he was tested two more times before being allowed to travel.

He is not the first player to breach the rules during his unique international summer. Jofra Archer was forced to miss the second Test against West Indies after returning home, leading to a period in isolation, a fine and a written warning.

On Tuesday, Kent batsman Jordan Cox was ruled out of the Bob Willis Trophy match against Middlesex starting this weekend after having a photo with a member of the public following the win over Sussex.

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