Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is considering the option of playing a shortened West Indies tour following the COVID-19 positive diagnoses that hit the team last week.
After conducting PCR tests on the cricketers and support staff shortlisted for the West Indies series, it was revealed that Lahiru Thirimanne and coach Mickey Arthur had tested positive for covid-19 last week. Both are now being treated at a private hospital and all first contacts of theirs have been asked to self-quarantine.
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SLC officials confirmed that around 30 players are in quarantine and 15 of them are considered first contacts. The rest have been involved in training at the High Performance Centre (HPC).
PCR tests will be conducted on the first group on Tuesday and Friday. “If the results are negative, they could be allowed to resume training on Wednesday” SLC CEO Ashley de Silva said.
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Due to this outbreak, Sri Lanka’s tour of West Indies is in jeopardy but SLC CEO Ashley de Silva told media that they are exploring all options, including playing a shortened tour.
“Given the current scenario, we cannot make the tour as scheduled but are exploring all options including playing a shortened tour,” said de Silva.
Sri Lanka were scheduled to play 2 Tests, 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is against West Indies.
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