Pandemic scare hit Lankan camp; Indian series delayed
Sri Lanka’s limited over series against India has been delayed till July 18, following the detection of two COVID-19 cases, within the main squad and one more in a back-up squad. The ODIs will now be played on July 18, 20 and 23, followed by the T20Is on July 25, 27 and 29.
The rescheduling was done to “ensure the safety of the players, officials, and the continuity of the tour”, the board said in a statement on Saturday. The series was to begin on July 13.
However, the extended isolation of players following the detection of two COVID-19 cases forced the local Board to reschedule it in consultation with the Indian board.
Sri Lanka’s batting coach Grant Flower and data analyst Shirantha Niroshan tested positive for the Delta variant of the virus after they returned from England. Flower tested positive on Thursday and Niroshan the following day, prompting cricket authorities to place entire team under strict isolation.
“They will be tested today and if the results are negative, they can start training. If not, we might have to prepare an alternative team,” said Prof. Arjuna de Silva, head of Sri Lanka Cricket’s medical committee.
In addition to the main team, Sri Lanka has put together two back-up teams isolated in Colombo and in Dambulla as an contingency measure to ensure that the series goes ahead.
Meanwhile, Sandun Weerakkody, who was in the back team in Colombo too has tested positive. Accordingly, the entire squad which travelled to Dambulla on Friday to play a practice game is now quarantined. Weerakkody is expected to go through a second PCR test today.
“We are not sure how Weerakkody contracted the virus. But the other two have contracted it in England,” Prof. de Silva said.
Soon after the tour, three players and one support staffer of the England team tested positive. Flower had reportedly joined the England support staff for his evening jogs and SLC suspects he may have contracted it from them.
Ashley de Silva, CEO of SLC, said that they have taken precautionary measures to ensure the safe hosting of the tournament.
“We have been maintaining three separate bubbles including those who returned from England. This is an addition burden on the Board but given the current circumstances we have little option,” he said.
A series against India is hugely beneficial to the country. Board President Shammi Silva had said that they could earn as much as US$ 12 million through broadcast rights.