PAK Vs WI Series In Jeopardy As 5 Members Of Windies Squad Test Covid-19 Positive

PAK Vs WI T20I: The players of both teams will have to undergo RT-PCR tests again before the match. Only then both the boards could arrive at a decision regarding the future of the PAK Vs WI series. 

Pakistan's Mohammad Wasim celebrates after taking the wicket of West Indies' Oshane Thomas | Image: AFP

With one T20I and three ODIs still to be played, the future of the West Indies tour of Pakistan looks bleak as three WI players and two support staff tested Covid-19 positive on Thursday. Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, and Justin Greaves are among the ones who have tested positive for the virus. 

"Wicketkeeper/batsman Shai Hope, left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, allrounder Justin Greaves, along with Assistant Coach Roddy Estwick & Team Physician Dr. Akshai Mansingh returned positive results in the latest round of testing carried out by Pakistan Cricket Board," said Cricket West Indies in a statement. 

"All three players will therefore miss the upcoming matches and all five individuals will remain isolated from the rest of the West Indies squad and are now under the care and supervision provided by the medical officials. They will remain in isolation for ten (10) days or until they return negative PCR test results," the statement read further. 

A further five members of the West Indies touring party have tested positive for COVID-19 | More below: https://t.co/lOhSH1UdIu

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) December 16, 2021

Pakistan has already won the T20I series by winning the first two matches comprehensively. A new-look Windies side was looking to stage a comeback in the series, but the latest development has dented their chances of revival a bit. West Indies also lost Devon Thomas due to a finger injury. 

The players of both teams will have to undergo RT-PCR tests again before the match. Only then both the boards could arrive at a decision regarding the future of the PAK Vs WI series. 

The CWI release further stated, "CWI and PCB Officials will be meeting on Thursday morning, once all members of the touring party have been tested again, to determine whether the tour can continue."