Five more West Indies players test positive for COVID-19 in Pakistan
West Indies vs Pakistan (Photo by ASIF HASSAN / AFP) (Photo by ASIF HASSAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Days after Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell and Kyle Myers tested positive for COVID-19, five more members of the West Indies contingent, including Shai Hope, Justin Greaves, Akeal Hosein, bowling coach Roddy Estwick and physician Akshai Mansingh, have tested positive. The recent outbreak has put serious doubts on the fate of the tour. Meanwhile, the five positive members will stay in isolation until they return COVID-19 negative. Also, the players won’t take any further part in the series.
“A further five members of the West Indies touring party have tested positive for COVID-19,” tweeted the official handle of West Indies cricket.
“All three players will therefore miss the upcoming matches and all five individuals will remain isolated from the rest of the West Indies squad ..” it added.
“They will remain in isolation for 10 days or until they return negative PCR test results.”
Pakistan are 2-0 up in the T20I series, the final of which will be played in Karachi today, December 16. The three-match ODI series is set to get underway on December 18. West Indies arrived in Pakistan without their big players and the recent reporting have sucked quality out of the team. They may even struggle to field a team of XI.
Meanwhile, this is a big setback to PCB as well, who are trying to bring international cricket back to Pakistan. With England and Australia set to tour next year, their failure to provide a safe environment is a big blow to their plans.
