Five more West Indies squad members test positive for Covid-19; series against Pakistan in doubt

Karachi, December 16: The ongoing West Indies tour of Pakistan plunged in to trouble after five members of the Windies squad were tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday night (December 15).

The test results came as Pakistan were preparing to face West Indies in the 3rd T20I on Thursday (December 16) at 2.30 PM IST. Pakistan currently lead the three-match T20I series 2-0.

The tour also comprises three ODIs scheduled to be played on December 18, 20 and 22, all in Karachi.

“Following the PCR tests administered on Wednesday in Pakistan, Cricket West Indies (CWI) can confirm that five more members of the West Indies touring party have tested positive for COVID-19 and will now undergo a period of self-isolation,” the CWI said in a media release.

“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 therefore miss the upcoming matches and 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," Cricket West Indies (CWI) said.

“The three players will remain in isolation for 10 days or until they return negative PCR test results. 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), CWI and PCB Officials will be meeting on Thursday morning (December 16), once all members of the touring party have been tested again, to determine whether the tour can continue," CWI further said.

On Sunday, Left-arm pacer Sheldon Cottrell, all-rounders Roston Chase, and Kyle Mayers, along with a non-coaching member of the team management unit returned positive tests in Karachi and were ruled out of the Pakistan series.

West Indies and Pakistan are slated to lock horns in the third T20I on Thursday. The two sides are also scheduled to play three ODIs from Saturday.