New Zealand's two-Test tour to Bangladesh deferred amid rising COVID cases

New Zealand's Test tour to Bangladesh has been pushed to a furr date as coronavirus cases continue to be on rise in Asian country. Black Caps were scheduled to play two Tests in Bangladesh in August-September as a part of ICC World Test Championship. However, with players in Bangladesh camp, including Mashrafre Mortaza, testing positive for COVID, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to postpone series, keeping in mind safety of players. 

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New Zealand's tour to Bangladesh postponed  

"In present COVID-19 pandemic scenario, hosting a full cricket series in August 2020 will be a challenge in terms of preparations and we cant take chances with safety and health of players, support staff and related stakeholders,"  Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury said according to ESPN CricInfo.

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"Under se circumstances, BCB and NZC have felt that best way forward would be to defer series. We realise that this will be hugely disappointing for players and officials of both teams, t to mention fans of two nations but I must thank NZC for its understanding and for recognising rationale behind such a decision," he added.

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Three Bangladesh players test positive for COVID

Bangladesh's former captain Mashrafe Mortaza tested positive for COVID-19. pacer had been suffering from fever and had taken a test on Friday. Mortaza is currently in home isolation, his bror Morsalin Mortaza informed. Earlier, former Bangladesh cricketer and elder bror of ODI captain Tamim Iqbal had also tested positive for Coronavirus. Bangladesh's Daily Star newspaper reported that Nafees himself confirmed that he has contracted deadly virus and is currently in home isolation in Chittagong. Nafees Iqbal a right-handed opening batsman, made his debut for Bangladesh in 2003 but has been out of national reckoning since 2006. 

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(With PTI inputs)

Im credits: AP