The fifth and final Test between India and England, which was scheduled to get underway on Friday (September 10) in Manchester, has been cancelled after COVID-19 cases in the visiting camp.

Amid the development, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has said that there is no question of forfeiting the match’ and the negotiations with ECB are underway to resolve the issues ‘amicably’.

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"After wide consultations between BCCI President, BCCI Secretary, Treasurer, me and Joint Secretary, along with ECB Chairman and CEO and in consultations with players, captain, senior players it was decided to call off this Test match which was slated in Manchester," Shukla told ANI.

"And other things you know, other negotiations with ECB will continue in order to resolve the whole issue amicably. There is no question of forfeiting the match, it has been only called off," he added.

When asked whether the match will be played at a later date, Shukla said: "Those negotiations are taking place."

The decision to call-off the Test match was taken after India’s assistant physio Yogesh Parmar tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday (September 9). As a result, Virat Kohli and company had to cancel their practice session.

During the fourth Test at the Oval, India head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun, fielding coach R Sridhar had also returned COVID-19 positive and they are still in isolation in London.

"Following ongoing conversations with the BCCI, the ECB can confirm that the fifth LV= Insurance Test between England and India Men due to start today at Emirates Old Trafford, will be cancelled," ECB said in a statement.

“Due to fears of a further increase in the number of COVID cases inside the camp, India are regrettably unable to field a team. We send our sincere apologies to fans and partners for this news, which we know will cause immense disappointment and inconvenience to many.”

(With ANI inputs)