Shadman Islam tests positive for Coronavirus ahead of Sri Lanka Tests

Bangladesh red-ball opening batsman Shadman Islam has been tested positive with COVID-19. This has also led him to miss the first round of the National Cricket League, which was made compulsory for all players who wished to feature in the Sri Lanka Test series. It has been reported that if his third COVID report is found to be negative, then he will definitely take part in the next game.

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 Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had recently hosted BCB President’s Cup and Bangabandhu T20 successfully after failing to host the NCL last year due to the pandemic. The success of those two events has now given BCB confidence to host the NCL. Thereby, they also made it mandatory for all the Test probables to take part in the league. The league started on March 22, while the Test series is scheduled to begin on April 21.

Shadman was sent into isolation as soon as his report of being tested positive came out. In an interaction with Cricbuzz, Islam said, “'I am in isolation at the moment in the hotel and waiting for my third corona report to arrive and if that is negative I will be able to play.”

Before this, Shadman was forced to miss the second Test against West Indies during the side’s last series due to a groin injury. He had a great opportunity to claim his spot back in the team by putting up some runs under his belt.

Bangladesh’s Test captain Mominul Haque had also been found to be tested positive in the first few tests but finally, in the third time, the test came out to be negative. The left-handed batter will now be featuring in the tournament. Bangladesh’s tour of Sri Lanka will be of two Tests. The team is set to travel to Sri Lanka on April 12. Both the matches will be played at the Pallekele International Stadium.