IPL 2021: Tim Seifert Tests Positive For COVID-19; Will Miss The Flight To New Zealand
Published - 08 May 2021, 11:52 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:45 AM
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) wicket-keeper batsman, Tim Seifert has tested positive for COVID-19, and hence will not be on the flight back to New Zealand as of now. The Kiwi becomes the third player from the KKR contingent to return a positive test, after Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier, who were the initial casualties of the now-suspended IPL 2021.
A statement from New Zealand Cricket confirmed this news; it revealed that Tim Seifert failed both his pre-departure RT-PCR tests and “is experiencing moderate symptoms”. The statement also said that the 26-year-old had returned 7 negative tests in the 10 days leading up to his pre-departure protocols.
He is currently in isolation in Ahmedabad and then is expected to be transferred to Chennai for treatment, in the same hospital where Chennai Super Kings batting coach, Michael Hussey, is being treated after testing positive for COVID-19 since Wednesday.
“Once Seifert has undergone treatment and the statutory period of isolation and has tested negative for COVID-19, he will be transferred back to New Zealand where he will undergo the mandatory 14-day period of managed isolation,” the NZC statement added.
Unfortunate for Tim Seifert and we’ll do everything for him that we can from this end: NZC Chief Executive
David White, New Zealand Chief Executive, expressed his concern and sadness at Tim Seifert returning a positive test. He said the player will be given full support by the board, and that they are keeping his family at home updated regularly.
“It’s really unfortunate for Tim and we’ll do everything for him that we can from this end, and hopefully he will be able to test negative, and be cleared and approved for discharge as soon as he’s well again,” David White said.
“Since receiving the news, we’ve organised support for Tim and have also – via the players association, been in contact with his family to ensure they’re kept fully informed and updated on developments,” he added.
There are two charter flights being arranged for the New Zealand players and staff in the IPL 2021 to return home: one flight has already left India; the other is expected to leave on Saturday evening.
Another group, comprising Kiwi skipper, Kane Williamson, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, trainer Chris Donaldson, and physio Tommy Simsek, are being shifted to the Maldives from Delhi in their mini bio-bubble. These people will then travel to the UK for the Test series against England, and the World Test Championship final against India
