BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - ON the eve of the final T20 International in Karachi, West Indies have been dealt a further blow as more COVID-19 positive cases continue to pop up within the squad.
According to Cricket West Indies (CWI), a further five members of the travelling contingent have returned positive results following another round of PCR testing that was undertaken on Wednesday (Dec. 15) in Karachi.
Among those who returned positive results were three players and two coaching staff.
“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).” CWI said in a statement.
This follows the early announcement that three players had tested positive upon arrival in Karachi following tests taken.
“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. They will remain in isolation for ten (10) days or until they return negative PCR test results,” CWI stated.
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 first T20I), CWI and PCB officials will be meeting on Thursday morning, once all members of the touring party have been tested again, to determine whether the tour can continue.
West Indies have already lost the series after going down in Tuesday's game.
