Multiple COVID cases emerge in West Indies camp, Pakistan tour in jeopardy

West Indies might return from their tour of Pakistan midway after multiple COVID-19 cases emerged in their camp. Nicholas Pooran and company have played two T20Is so far and are scheduled to participate in one more 20-over game in addition to the three-match ODI series. 

The West Indies Cricket Board (CWI) hours before the third T20I on Thursday announced that they will meet the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to discuss whether to call off the rest of the ongoing tour. Five more members of the touring party, including three players, tested positive for COVID-19. 

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CWI said that the boards were meeting to “determine whether the tour can continue”.

Wicketkeeper Shai Hope, spinner Akeal Hosein and all-rounder Justin Greaves, along with assistant coach Roddy Estwick and physician Akshai Mansingh, were found to be positive after Wednesday’s tests.

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“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 in a statement.

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“They will remain in isolation for ten (10) days or until they return negative PCR test results.” The tour now stands in jeopardy with the number of West Indies players testing COVID-19 positive rising to six. Another player, Devon Thomas has been ruled out due to a finger injury sustained during the first T20 International here on Monday.

Pakistan have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. 

Earlier, left-arm pacer Sheldon Cotrell and all-rounders Roston Chase and Kyle Mayers have been ruled out of the T20I series after testing positive for COVID-19 upon arrival here on December 9.