Finn Allen Tested Positive For Covid-19 After Arriving In Bangladesh

New Zealand batsman Finn Allen has been tested positive for the Covid-19 in Dhaka, 48 hours after his arrival. The Blackcaps will take on Bangladesh in a five-match T20I series starting September 1.

Finn Allen, who has withdrawn from the IPL as he is on the tour to Bangladesh and Pakistan, was playing in The Hundred in England before leaving for Dhaka. He represented the Birmingham Phoenix, who lost the final on Sunday to Southern Brave, although Allen had left the tournament at the end of the league stage.

A release from New Zealand Cricket said that Finn Allen is fully vaccinated and passed all his pre-departure tests in England and that he has been quarantined and is experiencing moderate symptoms.

Finn Allen is receiving treatment:

“Allen is receiving treatment from the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s chief medical officer; has been in contact with NZC’s chief medical officer, and will be monitored during his stay in quarantine by BLACKCAPS doctor Pat McHugh,” the release said. 

“Once he has undergone treatment and the statutory period of isolation, and has tested negative for COVID-19 on consecutive days, he will be cleared to re-join his team-mates.”

The team manager Mike Sandle said that he is in constant contact with the 22-year-old and the cricketer is receiving the best of care from the Bangladesh authorities.

“It’s really unfortunate for Finn. He’s comfortable at the moment and hopefully he’ll recover quickly; test negative and be cleared and approved for discharge as soon as possible,” Sandle said.

“The Bangladesh cricket authorities have been extremely professional in their response and we’re grateful to them for that. They’re treating the matter very seriously.”

Sandle also revealed that the Emirates airline, using which Finn Allen flew to Dhaka from Heathrow, have been informed of the situation.

Regarding the other players, who departed Auckland on Monday night, Sandle said have just arrived in Dhaka and would now undergo a minimum of three days isolation. A decision on whether Allen will be replaced in the squad has not yet been made. The right-hander has played in 3 T20Is with a best of 71; he missed out from the squad for the T20 World Cup.

Tom Latham will captain the side against Bangladesh and Pakistan in the absence of Kane Williamson, who will soon leave for the UAE to participate in the IPL, where he is the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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