Pakistan Super League postponed after a number of positive coronavirus cases

The Pakistan Super League has been postponed with immediate effect after a number of positive coronavirus cases.

A total of seven positive tests were reported during the tournament, including England and Somerset batsman Tom Banton, who plays for the Quetta Gladiators side.

Three new cases were brought to light on Thursday after four initial positive tests had been revealed earlier this week, with six players testing positive as well as one member of support staff.

• Tom Banton isolating after positive coronavirus test

A statement on the PSL's official website read: "Following a meeting with the team owners and considering the health and wellbeing of all participants is paramount, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to postpone the HBL Pakistan Super League 6 with immediate effect.

"The decision was made after seven cases were reported in the competition, which had started on February 20.

"The PCB, as an immediate step, will focus on the safe and secure passage of all participants, and arrange repeat PCR tests, vaccines and isolation facilities to the six participating sides."

Fourteen of the scheduled 34 matches have been completed, with Wednesday's games having seen defending champions Karachi Kings beat Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta defeat Multan Sultans.

The PCB said the four new cases did not come from any of the sides who featured in Wednesday's double-header.

The first case was made public on Monday with the news that Islamabad United's Australia spinner Fawad Alam had tested positive on Saturday and immediately been placed into isolation.

Islamabad's game with Quetta, initially scheduled for Monday, was pushed back until Tuesday due to Ahmed's positive test.

Then, on Tuesday, the PCB said that two more overseas players, along with one member of support staff, had tested positive, with Banton revealing on Twitter that he was among those affected.