England and Pakistan officials are in discussions about a possible 24-hour delay to the first Test in Pakistan, after 13 to 14 members of the England squad – including half the 16-man playing pool – were struck down by illness on Wednesday.
The issue is thought to be a virus or bug rather than food poisoning, with England taking particular care over what they eat with the help of a chef, Omar Meziane, who has traveled with the team for this tour.
Ben Stokes, England captain, and James Anderson are understood to be two of those affected.
Joe Root had symptoms on Tuesday but recovered well enough to train on Wednesday.
An ECB spokesperson confirmed that the illnesses were not Covid-19 related, with players experiencing vomiting and diarrhea.
There is a hope the virus passes in 24 hours, though with the first of the three-match series due to begin in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
