Two Sri Lanka Cricketers And A Coach Test Positive For COVID-19 Hours Before The First ODI Against Bangladesh

Ahead of the three-match ODI series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Dhaka, the visitors have received a major jolt. Isuru Udana, Shiran Fernando and bowling coach Chaminda Vaas have returned COVID-19 positive, just hours before the first One-day international. The entire team is now awaiting the result of the second RT-PCR test.

While the breaking news has put the series in doubt, it seems unlikely to be called off. Moreover, the revelations of three members from the Sri Lankan camp testing positive for COVID-19 have added to the controversy already going on regarding the contracts. The cricketers are yet to sign the fresh central contracts offered by the board as it is part of the newly implemented grading system that compromises transparency, according to them.

But the newly-appointed Sri Lankan ODI captain Kusal Perera stated that it remains an issue, but he asserted that the team is focused on the series and are hoping it would be resolved soon. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will play three ODIs on the 23rd, 25th, and the 28th of May. Last month, the two sides battled in a two-Test series. Sri Lanka won the second Test in Kandy after the first resulted in a draw in the same venue.

Sri Lanka ODI squad:

Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Perera(wk/c), Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Isuru Udana, Lakshan Sandakan, Dushmantha Chameera, Chamika Karunaratne, Binura Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Ramesh Mendis, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando, Ashen Bandara, Shiran Fernando.

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