First-class cricketers in Pakistan taken to hospital after being attacked by bugs

The eight cricketers were left feeling sick due to the condition of the dressing room and playing field at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground

^{Imran Farhat tweeted this image of various players with bite marks on their body}

Eight first-class cricketers in Pakistan have been taken to hospital after being bitten by bugs while competing in a Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match, Pakistan’s premier first-class competition, between Lahore Whites and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL).

The eight cricketers were left feeling sick due to the condition of the dressing room and playing field at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground.

Former Pakistan opener Imran Farhat expressed his anger at the situation on Twitter. Along with showing photos of the bug bites sustained by players, Farhat, who represents Habib Bank Limited, said: “Going to the hospital from ground after a horrible attack by bugs during the match.”

So many players are bitten by bugs during the match at Dimond cricket ground around 8 h b l players been to hospital because off disgusting dressing room and ground pic.twitter.com/gGxjAUK817

— Imran Farhat (@imranfarhat1982) September 4, 2018

^{Imran Farhat caught the conditions on camera}

The 36-year-old added: “Everyone is feeling sick and struggling because of the ground conditions and all the players are on antibiotics.”

In addition, ex-Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq tweeted footage of the conditions inside the dressing room at the LCCA ground which highlighted the squalor players were faced with. Damp walls with mould on them and paint stripping off them can be seen alongside dirty toilets with worn tiling while there was also an absence of air conditioning.

This is not a storeroom.This is LCCA ground's dressing room currently hosting first class match between SNGPL&Lahore whites.Six test players are playing in this match.I think players deserve better than this.Outfield and pitch is also not encouraging for cricket. pic.twitter.com/xpJ8RMSkkF

— Misbah Ul Haq (@captainmisbahpk) September 2, 2018

^{Misbah-ul-Haq highlighted the terrible conditions and expressed his anger at the situation}

For the 44-year-old former middle-order batsman, it is up to the Pakistan Cricket Board to improve facilities in the country’s domestic game. Misbah tweeted: “If we want to improve the standards of first class cricket PCB should take notice of this and don't let this happen. Imagine around 20 people in this room with lonely fan in this heat and a sluggish outfield.”