Bangladesh’s right-arm pacer Abu Jayed tested positive for the deadly COVID-19 ahead of Sri Lanka tour. He was among the 27 cricketers from Bangladesh’s preliminary squad for the upcoming potential three-Test tour of Sri Lanka underwent the Coronavirus test on September 22 (Tuesday).
On Wednesday (September 23), the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that all players barring Jayed have tested negative for COVID-19 in the latest round of tests conducted by the BCB.
Samples on Monday were collected from a total of 27 cricketers who were called up to the Bangladesh Team Skill Camp at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Cricket by the BCB.
BCB Sports Physician Dr. Debashis Chowdhury said in a statement: “Pace bowler Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi has reported positive for COVID-19. He will receive treatment in isolation for COVID as per guidelines and will undergo further tests in due course.”
Now, Jayed, who has featured in nine Tests for Bangladesh and took 24 wickets so far, will have to undergo isolation while the other players are currently in a training camp in Mirpur.
Meanwhile, Saif Hassan tested negative for the Coronavirus in his third test after being twice tested positive for the COVID-19 in the last two weeks and is also likely to return to training soon after having quarantined at home since September 7.
On the other hand, Bangladesh’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka remains a little uncertain because of a disagreement between the BCB and SLC on the quarantine protocols in the Island country. They are now negotiating over reducing the 14-day quarantine period for the tourists.
Noteworthy, Bangladesh players will stay in the hotel in Dhaka while training until September 26, as they are likely to travel to Sri Lanka on September 27 with the first Test starting on October 23.
(With BCB Inputs)
