Indian cricketer COVID positive with Delta variant in UK? BCCI secretary Jay Shah had advised to avoid crowded places

BCCI secretary Jay Shah’s letter had specifically stated that players should avoid going to Wimbledon and UEFA Euro Championships, which recently concluded there.

Both Jasprit Bumrah (left) and Rishabh Pant had attended UEFA Euro 2020 games in London last week. (Source: Twitter/Instagram)

One of the 23 Indian cricketers in the ongoing tour of England is still positive for COVID-19 during the 20-day break and will not be travelling with the team to Durham on Thursday (July 15). While one has even returned negative tests since, the other will be tested on July 18 as he completes his 10th day in isolation on Sunday.

The news comes in the wake of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah recently sending an e-mail to the Indian contingent in the United Kingdom warning it about the rising cases of COVID-19. The side is to reassemble at Durham in a bio-bubble ahead of the Test series against England next month.

“Yes, one of the players has tested positive although he is largely asymptomatic currently. He is in quarantine at an acquaintance’s place and won’t be travelling with the team to Durham on Thursday,” a BCCI source told news agency PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Shah, in his letter, told the players to ‘avoid’ crowded places as Covishield only provides protection, not full immunity against the virus.

In fact, Shah’s letter had specifically stated that players should avoid going to Wimbledon and UEFA Euro Championships, which recently concluded there. The Indian team is due to take on England in a five-match Test series starting August 4.

(with agency inputs)