Michael Gough has been withdrawn from the remainder of the tournament.
Umpire Michael Gough has been withdrawn from the remainder of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 tournament after he breached the tournament's bio bubble. A few days before, Gough had left his hotel without permission and went outside the tournament's bio-bubble.
As a result of which he was forced to undergo mandatory six days of isolation and in the process was pulled out of the clash between India and New Zealand on 31st October and was replaced by South Africa's Marais Erasmus.
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After completing his six days isolation, the English umpire was expected to return but International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided not to let him officiate further in the tournament.
Releasing the official statement, the governing body said that they will support the well-being of all the officials operating in the tournament.
“Umpire Michael Gough will not be appointed to any further matches during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 following a breach of the bio-security protocols. The ICC recognises the extended periods he has spent in bio-secure conditions over the past two years and will continue to support the wellbeing of all match officials operating in this environment,” ICC said in an official statement.
Michael Gough was slated to officiate in the match between Australia and West Indies in Abu Dhabi on November 6, and Afghanistan vs New Zealand at the same venue on November 7. With him no longer available, the ICC is yet to announce replacements.
(PTI inputs)