In light of the positive COVID-19 cases in the Sri Lankan camp, the white ball series' against India has been pushed back by a few days.
The ODI series was to start on 13 July in Colombo but will now start on 18 July.
Sri Lanka, who have just returned from a tour of UK, have had two positive cases hit the camp so far, with both of the affected being among the non-playing staff. The whole contingent is in isolation with another round of testing to happen. A third positive case in an alternate bubble, a back-up for the UK-returned players, was reported by Sri Lankan media on Saturday morning.
Data analyst GT Niroshan tested positive on Friday, a day after their batting coach Grant Flower had returned a positive test, for the Delta variant of the virus.
“We understand that circumstances are extraordinary, but the BCCI would like to extend its full support to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) during these tough times for the smooth conduct of the upcoming series. Our medical team is in constant touch with the team of doctors at SLC and together following all safety protocols that will help the series to get underway. We are confident that both nations will put up a spirited show in the days to come and we are in for some exciting cricket,” Jay Shah said.
India's white-ball tour of Sri Lanka is delayed due to COVID-19
Image: BCCI
What Do Sri Lanka Do Now?
The situation, unfortunately, is grave with multiple positive cases and means two sets of Sri Lankan players are in isolation separately.
The Sri Lankan cricket board had asked the selectors to arrange for back-up squads for the India series.
"Apart from the UK-returned batch, we have created two more bio-bubbles in Colombo. In one bubble there are 13 players and in another there are 26. So, 39 players are available to pick a squad from. But BCCI would like to play the first team for obvious reasons," an SLC source was quoted as saying by PTI.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s contingent who returned from UK will have their next set of tests on Sunday.
Revised Dates for the Series
The ODI series which was expected to start on 13 July has been pushed back by a 5 days.
Both the BCCI and SLC, after discussions, have decided to begin the series on 18 July. The 3 ODIs will be played held on 18, 20, and 23 July at the Premadasa Stadium followed by the T20Is, starting on 25 July.
The T20I games were scheduled for 25, 27 and 29 July.
With all the games at the Premadasa Stadium, the rescheduling becomes easier as there is no travelling involved.
Sri Lanka’s Bubble Breach in UK
While on tour in UK, the Sri Lankan team, had an incident of a bio-bubble breach which led to them suspending three players.
Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka and Niroshan Dickwella were the three cricketers who were involved in the bubble breach in Durham and were also sent home from the tour. That incident came on the heels of the ICC match referee Phil Whitticase, who officiated in the three-match T20I series between England and Sri Lanka which concluded on 26 June, testing positive for COVID-19.
(With inputs from PTI, ESPN Cricinfo and newswire.lk)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)