Tuesday 17 March 2020 12:16, UK
Alex Hales is in self-isolation in the UK after experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus.
The former England batsman showed symptoms after flying home from Pakistan, where he had been playing for the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) T20 competition.
Hales said in a statement: "In light of the speculation and rumour that is currently circulating within the cricket world and on social media, I felt I needed to give a full explanation of my situation.
"Like many other overseas players, I reluctantly left the Pakistan Super League early because, with COVID-19 reaching global pandemic status, I felt it was more important to be with my family rather than face a period of lockdown thousands of miles from home.
"I returned to the UK in the early hours of Saturday morning feeling perfectly fit and healthy and with absolutely no symptoms of the virus.
"However, I awoke early on Sunday morning having developed a fever and followed the government's advice of self-isolation, a process I am obviously still following having developed a dry and persistent cough.
"At this stage, it has not been possible to be tested although I am hopeful that might be the case later today so that I can get absolute confirmation of my current health status."
As a result of Hales' symptoms, the Pakistan Cricket Board postponed the PSL 2020 on Tuesday, the day of the semi-finals.
The matches between Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi, and Karachi Kings against Lahore Qalandars, will be rescheduled.
Salman Iqbal, owner of Karachi Kings, told ESPNcricinfo, "I have been asking for it to be postponed for the past two days, as we (PSL) was the only cricket going on. But, anyway, it's a very good decision by the franchise owners and the PCB management."
Former Pakistan captain turned broadcaster Ramiz Raja, told reporters: "It is an unfortunate scenario. A good and right decision has been made in the end. The news is coming, you people will know more.
"Alex Hales has developed some symptoms and the tests are under way. We, the broadcasters and commentators, are also undergoing tests in the next two hours."
