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The West Indies' squad finally arrived in Pakistan for their limited over series. The men in maroon were welcomed and escorted to their hotel with some tight security owing to the political concerns in Pakistan. Notably, this is West Indies' first visit to Pakistan since 2008.
Amidst all the preparations for the T20I series, three West Indies players namely Roston Chase, Kyle Mayers and Sheldon Cottrell tested positive for COVID-19. Although the series is set to go ahead as planned, the trio will miss out. They will not be available for the series and have been isolated. A non coaching staff of the management has also tested positive. They will remain in isolation for ten days and until they return negative PCR test results.
Here's the official announcement:
CEO of Cricket West Indies, Johnny Grave confirmed this major development and clarified that the team was in hotel. It was learnt that these members were fully vaccinated and asymptomatic. He went on to admit that these last minute changes will seriously impact the team's preparations for the upcoming series.
Johnny Grave confirmed via a press release,"We are confident that the tour can continue as everyone else returned negative PCRs prior to their arrival into Pakistan and two negative PCRs since they have been in Karachi."
The information about positive cases in the squad came to light when all members were already in quarantine. He went on to add that the risk of COVID-19 impacting a cricket tour cannot be removed, even though most members live in the bio-bubble environment almost continuously.
The first T20I is scheduled for 13th December, next one on 14th and after that on 16th December. Post the T20Is, the two teams will be against each other for three ODIs, which are scheduled from 18th to 22nd December. Karachi's National Stadium is set to host all the matches. The ODIs will be a part of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup Super League.