The development was made after several England players, including skipper Ben Stokes were affected by a virus on the eve of their opening Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

The issue is thought to be a virus or bug rather than food poisoning, as England are taking precautions over what they eat with the help of a team chef Omar Meziane.

In the current situation, England might now struggle to put a fit XI on the field in Rawalpindi.

Virus hits England camp before Pakistan series opener

According to ESPNCricinfo, PCB chairman Ramiz Raja, and the ECB’s Rob Key and Neil Snowball - have been in talks over the issue, with a final decision on the start time likely to rest on the verdict of the England team doctor.

Under the playing conditions for the ICC World Test Championship, all matches should be staged across a five-day window.

However, the ECB spokesperson confirmed that play would not have got underway in the current circumstances.

He did not mention the number of people affected by viral illness adding that only Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope and Joe Root attended today’s optional training session.

Due to the same reason, the trophy unveiling ceremony was also postponed.

England have already named their starting XI, giving a Test debut to Liam Livingstone and recalling Ben Duckett to open with Zak Crawley.

They are scheduled to play in Rawalpindi, Multan and Karachi in their first test tour of Pakistan since 2005.

They have hired a chef for the tour after receiving feedback from players who visited Pakistan in September-October for a seven-match T20I series.