On the day two teams have reached the UAE for the Indian Premier League, concerns about the South African cricketers’ timely arrival have grown. Cricket South Africa has confirmed that two members of the Proteas men’s squad have tested positive for COVID-19 infection.
The CSA has not revealed the names of the infected players.
The CSA in a statement has revealed that 50 tests were carried out on players and support staff, out of which two players returned COVID-19 positive.
The tests were conducted ahead of the men’s team culture camp, comprising 32 players in Skukuza from August 18 to 22. The infected cricketers will now miss the camp as they have begun isolation protocol.
“The testing is in line with fulfilling the organization’s obligation and commitment to control the spread of the virus,” the CSA said in a statement. “There were no replacements made for the two players who tested positive. All those unable to attend the camp will join the proceedings virtually.”
Faf du Plessis, who will represent Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, couldn’t attend the camp “due to the imminent birth” of his second child.
The IPL franchisees have contracted ten South African cricketers for the league to be held in the UAE from September 19 to November 10.
Among the players called for the camp by the CSA, David Miller (Rajasthan Royals), Anrich Nortje and Kasigo Rabada (Delhi Capitals), Quinton de Kock (Mumbai Indians) and Lungi Ngidi (Chennai Super Kings) have got IPL contracts.