Emirates Cricket Board confirms that UAE player, Alishan Sharafu, has today tested positive for COVID-19.
Subhan Ahmed, Emirates Cricket Board Advisor, provided clarity on the situation: “As part of our COVID-19 safety protocols for this series, all players were required to undergo and provide a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering the Bio-Bubble in Abu Dhabi.
The tests that were carried out on December 29th were all negative. Players were then isolated in their separate rooms (in the team hotel) for three days. On January 7th, Chirag Suri tested positive, followed by Aryan Lakra on January 8th.
Both Chirag and Aryan were isolated in their hotel rooms immediately after testing positive. As all remaining tests were negative, and after the tracing app data was reviewed, no further close contacts were traced.
In accordance with the Authorities’ directives, the isolated players remained in their rooms until the Health Authorities coordinated their move to an official isolation center, where they remain.
In the early hours of January 9th, and following a seventh test carried out on January 8th on all players and staff in the UAE team bubble, Alishan Sharafu’s test also came back positive. Alishan is currently in isolation awaiting transfer by the Health Authorities to a medical isolation facility.
Emirates Cricket Management, in consultation with Abu Dhabi Cricket, and with the agreement of Cricket Ireland, have taken the decision that, in the best interests of all players and support staff involved with the Sky247.net Abu Dhabi ODI series, the second ODI on Sunday January 10th is to be rescheduled for January 16th. The amended series itinerary is as follows:
12th January 2nd ODI
14th January 3rd ODI
16th January 4th ODI
