The second one-day international between UAE and Ireland, to be played in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, was postponed by the UAE cricket board on Wednesday despite no more cases of COVID-19 amongst the players.

This is the third time that one of the matches in the four-match series has been called off. Earlier also Emirates cricket board released a statement for postponing Tuesday’s match after four UAE  players were tested positive for coronavirus. 

UAE pulled off a stunning victory over Ireland in the series-opener without vice-captain Chirag Suri and uncapped left-arm spinner Aryan Lakra who had tested COVID-19 positive.

Sunday's second game was pushed back to 16 January after another player tested positive before Tuesday's encounter was also suspended following four more positive tests among the home players.

UAE v IRE 2021: Second ODI suspended after four more UAE players test COVID-19 positive

Emirates Cricket Board in an official statement confirms that Thursday’s match... against Ireland has been suspended. 

"Although no new positive cases have been returned the decision, supported by Cricket Ireland, was made due to the UAE team remaining in quarantine as directed by authorities on January 11th. Discussions continue regarding rescheduling matches," said the Emirates cricket board statement.

Following the UAE series, Ireland will remain in the country to play three ODIs against Afghanistan with the first of those scheduled for 21 January.

The four-match ODI series between Ireland and UAE was planned as a part of the preparation for Ireland ahead of the series against Afganistan, which will be the part of ICC’s World Cup super league. 

(AFP Inputs)