When slowly things were starting to gain normalcy the virus that has disrupted everything across the globe made its presence felt once again. This time it was in Ireland. After a long break that was enforced by the pandemic, the men’s and women’s national squads finally resumed training a few days back in Dublin. Both these outfits were practicing together.
When all seemed to be going well, in an unfortunate turn of events, one of the members from the women’s squad tested positive for COVID-19. Now, as a precautionary measure, the training of both the squads has been halted. Since they were training together, the men’s practice had to be stopped as well.
In another two weeks, the Ireland men’s team was all set to leave for the United Arab Emirates, but now, due to this situation, the Board would have to rethink the tour. There is no doubt that the camp would be feeling disappointed as they were hoping to get some match time after a long break.
A spokesman said the positive test has resulted in a player in the men’s senior squad being referred for Covid-19 testing “as soon as possible”. The spokesman added, “If this test result returns negative we believe the Dublin-based men’s players can resume training to prepare for our upcoming tour to the UAE. Northern Ireland-based players have not been involved in the Dublin sessions and are free to continue training.”
“We were alerted to a positive Covid-19 test result in the women’s performance squad on Sunday and implemented requirements under our Covid-19 protocols,” said Mark Rausa, head of sports science, physiotherapy and medical services for Cricket Ireland.
He added, “This included calling an immediate halt to all strength and conditioning, and cricket skills sessions, for both the men’s and women’s Dublin-based training groups pending the results of further testing. The Covid-19 protocols we have in place for indoor training are extremely rigorous, however, we are practising a safety-first and player health approach to our operations, and will update the players as information becomes available about testing outcomes and the hopeful resumption of training as soon as safely practicable.”
I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.
