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The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has started to affect the world of cricket once again after few months of uninterrupted cricket. Recently, the ODI series between West Indies and Pakistan - which was slated to take place this month - was postponed to next year after few members of West Indies team tested positive for coronavirus. As it turns out, there is another cricket tour which is now under risk.
Recently, Bangladesh travelled to New Zealand for their upcoming Test series and it has been revealed that their spin bowling coach, Rangana Herath, tested positive for the deadly virus on Wednesday. Although he has only mild symptoms, the development comes as a major shock just two weeks ahead of the 1st Test between two sides.
Entire Bangladesh contingent to undergo 3-day mandatory quarantine
As reported by Espncricinfo, 8 other Bangladesh players have also been sent into isolation after another person on their Christchurch-bound flight tested positive for COVID-19. "We're maintaining the existing protocol... Since the players are isolated, hopefully no other complications will arise. This is part of the new reality," BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury told the Dhaka-based The Daily Star.
Apart from Herath, all the players and members tested negative for the virus during the latest round of testing, the result of which came on Thursday. However, considering the fact that the entire contingent was in close proximity to the bowling coach on the flight, the New Zealand health authorities have advised them to complete three days of mandatory quarantine before resuming training.
Schedule of Bangladesh tour of New Zealand
The Tigers have travelled to New Zealand to take part in two Tests which will be part of World Test Championship (WTC) cycle 2021-23. They are slated to play two practice matches as well before the series, whose fixtures are as follows:
1st Test: Jan 1-5, 2022 (Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui)
2nd Test: Jan 9-13, 2022 (Hagley Oval, Christchurch)