Bangladesh Cricketer Nafees Iqbal Tests Positive For Coronavirus

Former Bangladesh cricketer Nafees Iqbal has tested positive for coronavirus, according to a media report. The ex-international is elder brother of Bangladesh batting star Tamim Iqbal and nephew of former Bangladesh captain Akram Khan.

The Daily Star newspaper reported that Nafees Iqbal himself confirmed that he has contracted the virus and is currently in home isolation in Chittagong. Nafees Iqbal last played for Bangladesh way back in 2006. A right-handed opening batsman, he made his debut in 2003 and represented his country in 11 Tests and 16 ODIs, scoring 518 and 309 runs respectively.

Last month, Bangladesh’s development coach and former first-class cricketer Ashiqur Rahman had tested positive for the virus too. Earlier this month, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi was tested positive for the virus as well. He became the third cricketer from Pakistan, and the second international after former opener Taufeeq Umar, to have contracted the virus. Zafar Sarfraz, the former first-class cricketer who died of the disease, was the first.

In May, Solo Nqweni, the South African allrounder who has been battling Guillan-Barré syndrom, had also confirmed he was tested positive for Covid-19.

Cricket on backfoot:

The pandemic has pushed the game firmly on backfoot since March. The ODI between Australia and New Zealand on March 13 was the last international game before everything was halted due to the pandemic. But international cricket will finally resume next month when England and West Indies lock horns in a three-match Test series.

Pakistan are also scheduled to visit England for Tests and T20Is in August and September. As far as Team India are concerned, the players are yet to resume full training.

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