As many as five members of West Indies’ men’s team has tested positive for Covid-19 and will now undergo a period of self-isolation. Three players: wicketkeeper/batsman Shai Hope, left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, allrounder Justin Greaves, along with Assistant Coach Roddy Estwick, and Team Physician Dr Akshai Mansingh returned positive results in the latest round of testing carried out by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
All three players will now miss the upcoming matches while all five individuals will remain isolated from the rest of the West Indies squad, the press release from Windies cricket said. “All five individuals will remain isolated from the rest of the West Indies squad and are now under the care and supervision provided by the medical officials. They will remain in isolation for ten (10) days or until they return negative PCR test results.”
The West Indies have already surrendered the three-match T20I series to Pakistan. The ‘Men in Maroon’ have lost the first two matches, and are 0-2 down in the series. While West Indies went down in the 1st T20I by a margin of 63 runs, they were beaten in the second encounter by 9 runs by the ‘Men in Green’.
The 3rd and final T20I of the series will be played on 16th December 2021 in Karachi. This T20I series will be followed up by a three-match ODI series between the two outfits as well. The ODI series will commence on 18th December 2021 and will conclude on 22nd December 2021.
With a total of six players now ruled out of the tour due to COVID-19 and a finger injury to Devon Thomas (sustained in the 1st T20I), both the Boards will meet to decide the fate of the series. All members of the touring party will also undergo another round of testing.
