By Bipin Dani

Less than three days since his arrival in Sri Lanka, former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi was cleared to play today’s Lanka Premier League match between the Galle Gladiators and the Jaffna Stallions on Friday. 

The 40-year-old all rounder was initially ruled out for the Gladiator’s first two matches after his delayed arrival to the island meant he would not be able to complete the quarantine period in time. 

Explaining the reason for clearing Afridi to play before the completion of his quarantine period, the tournament’s Medical Director Prof. Arjuna De Silva said, "Afridi had COVID-19 two months ago and he recovered fully. His three PCR tests were done in Pakistan and Sri Lanka and the results of these tests are negative". 

"We also consulted Dr. Neelika Malavige, who is a COVID expert and sought her views."

Dr. Malavige is a Senior Lecturer - Department of Immunology and Molecular Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of Sri Jayawardanapura.

"We also did Neutralising Antibodiy IPG by clinical immunerologist  Dr. Neelika, who cleared him (Afridi) to play." 

"Afridi is safe to play and poses no threat to the players. He will, however, continue to do PCR tests,” Prof. de Silva added.

Later, Dr. Neelika Malavige told the Daily Mirror, "Hope Afridi plays well in the tournament. I am a fan of his too. Good luck to him".