Covid-19 hits Tigresses’ camp before leaving for maiden ODI WC

One cricketer and two support staff of the Bangladesh women’s cricket team have tested positive for Covid-19 just hours before the Tigresses were scheduled to leave for New Zealand for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in March-April this year.

“Yes. One cricketer and two support staff members have tested positive. The team would fly for New Zealand without them. However, there is no reason to panic as it falls under normal procedures,” said a source close to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requesting anonymity.

The sources added: “Once the ones who tested positive return negative results, they will also join the squad in New Zealand.”

BCB had already announced a 16-member squad for the mega event and the Tigresses are scheduled to take off at 1:40pm from Dhaka for Auckland for what is going to be their maiden appearance in the fifty-over World Cup.

The Bangladesh contingent will have to undergo a 10-day quarantine period after arriving in Auckland.

This is also the first time that Bangladesh women's cricket team will be touring New Zealand.

Pacer Jahanara Alam, who was dropped from the squad from the Commonwealth Games Qualifier squad over disciplinary issues earlier this month, was included in the squad for the World Cup.

Bangladesh will begin the World Cup campaign on March 5 against South Africa in Dunedin. The Tigresses will take on hosts New Zealand, West Indies and England in their next three group stage games on March 7, 18, and 27 respectively.