ODI series between Pakistan and West Indies postponed until next summer after SIX players in the tourists’ squad tested positive for Covid-19… but final T20 match goes ahead
- West Indies squad currently in Pakistan has been decimated by Covid positives
- Five more members of the touring party, including three players, have the virus
- It came after three players tested positive after their arrival in the country
- It had led to the postponement of the upcoming three-match ODI series
- Pakistan lead three-match T20 series 2-0 with third game played on Thursday
The one-day international series between Pakistan and West Indies has been postponed until next year following a Covid-19 outbreak in the tourists’ camp.
West Indies were left six players short after the latest round of positive Covid tests though a weakened team did play in Thursday’s third and final T20 international.
However, with so many personnel in isolation, the decision has been taken to postpone the three-match ODI series, scheduled to start on Saturday, until June 2022.
West Indies are without six players for their final T20 match with Pakistan on Thursday after further positive Covid-19 tests within their squad
The remainder of their white ball tour of Pakistan could be abandoned as Covid cases mount
Wicketkeeper Shai Hope, spinner Akeal Hosein and all-rounder Justin Greaves tested positive on Wednesday along with assistant coach Roddy Estwick and physician Akshai Mansingh.
The latest news came after fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell and all-rounders Roston Chase and Kyle Mayers earlier tested positive following their arrival in Pakistan.
A West Indies squad that was already missing Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Jason Holder and Even Lewis, and lost Devon Thomas to a finger injury, was left seriously depleted.
The five who have just tested positive will have to go through 10 days of isolation in Karachi, with Cottrell, Chase and Mayers still in their isolation period.
Pakistan won the first two T20 internationals with the third game scheduled for Thursday
A statement released jointly by the two cricket boards read: ‘On Thursday morning and as part of the PCB COVID-19 Protocols, Rapid Antigen tests were conducted on the remaining 15 West Indies players and six player support personnel.
‘All 21 members of the West Indies touring party returned negative test result. As such, Thursday’s T20 International (T20I) proceeded as planned.
‘However, taking into consideration both the teams’ welfare as well as limited resources in the West Indies side for the ODIs, it has been agreed that the series, which forms part of the ICC Men’s Cricket Word Cup Super League, will be postponed and rescheduled for early June 2022.
‘This will provide the West Indies with an equal opportunity to field their best available players for the World Cup qualification matches.
West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran hits out during Thursday’s final T20 match in Karachi
‘The West Indies team members, who returned negative results following Wednesday’s PCR and today’s Rapid Antigen tests, will depart from Pakistan after tonight’s match.
‘Those who have tested positive will complete their isolation in Karachi before their travel arrangements are finalised to allow them to rejoin their families in time for Christmas celebrations.
‘Meanwhile, the Pakistan team members, all of whom have returned PCR negative after Wednesday’s tests, will also be leaving the Managed Event Environment after tonight’s third T20I.
‘The CWI would like to thank the PCB for its excellent series arrangements and appreciates its support in rescheduling the ODI series in June 2022.’
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