One SL player tests positive hours before first ODI, match to go on

Shiran Fernando from Sri Lanka's contingent has tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the first ODI against Bangladesh in Dhaka.

Early in the morning, there were reports of three contingents of SL side testing positive for Covid-19. The first match as well as the whole series was suddenly covered with dark clouds just hours before the kick-off. 

But only Shiran Fernando tested positive as the second result came out.

The game is however supposed to go on.

Mohammed Jalal Yunus, the chairman of the BCB media committee, told The Business Standard that only Shiran Fernando tested positive after the second result came out. He also confirmed the match, and the series will go on at the scheduled time.

"The game will continue, there is no problem in running the game according to ICC protocol."

"They tested positive last night. We assumed it was a false positive as the whole thing was done in a hurry. Then they were tested again and the second result showed only Shiran Fernando tested positive and he is showing no symptoms," he said.

"The game will continue, there is no problem in running the game according to ICC protocol."

"The victim will be kept in isolation. Big squads are kept in all series now knowing this could happen," he added.

According to ESPNcricinfo, there is talk in the Sri Lanka camp about bringing the team home, with medical professionals on the Sri Lanka side unhappy about aspects of the bubble that has been set up for them. Sri Lanka are especially wary as they have a limited-overs tour of England coming up in June, as well.

Sri Lanka have played in four international series since December, but this is the first time members of a touring contingent have tested positive for Covid-19.

The three-match ODI series is part of the World Cup Super League.