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Saturday, 21 November 2020 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Sa’adi Thawfeeq
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Pakistan fast bowler Sohail Tanvir selected by Kandy Tuskers has become the second COVID-19 victim tested positive on arrival
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The My11Circle Sri Lanka Premier League (LPL) suffered their second setback to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic when Pakistan fast bowler Sohail Tanvir was tested positive on arrival yesterday.
Tanvir who is due to represent Kandy Tuskers in the LPL is the second overseas cricketer taking part in the tournament to contract the virus. Colombo Kings player Ravinderpal Singh from Canada was tested positive on arrival on Thursday.
Kandy Tuskers coach Hashan Tillakaratne said: “Tanvir was tested positive for COVID-19 on arrival and he was taken to the quarantine centre in Ranna which is situated between Hambantota and Ambalantota. He will be there for 10 days in quarantine till 30 November.”
“It’s very unfortunate. After 10 days I think he will be allowed to play. I am not too sure about what the doctors will say with regard to that. But after 10 days he will be allowed to play that’s what I was told,” he said.
Tillakaratne said that his team’s quarantine period ended yesterday and that they were going out for a walk.
“Some of the boys were told that they can use the gym and today (Friday) only we are starting off,” said Tillakaratne, the former Sri Lanka captain.
Kandy Tuskers will have their first official practice session on 23 November at 6 p.m. at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium side nets which has been fitted with floodlights to allow the five teams taking part in the tournament to practice as the centre wickets cannot be used because all 23 matches in the LPL will be played at this venue.
Of the six overseas players representing Kandy Tuskers, four have already arrived – Irfan Pathan, Naveen-ul-Haq and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who were the first to arrive, and Sohail Tanvir. Former Indian fast bowler Munaf Patel is due to turn up today. Tillakaratne said that they were yet to finalise the slot left vacant by the withdrawal of West Indian Chris Gayle due to injury.
“We are trying to get either Shaun Williams or Brendan Taylor (both Zimbabweans). We might finalise it by today. The player might be here by 22 or 23 November and may miss the first two games,” he said.
Kandy Tuskers will take on Colombo Kings in the curtain-raiser of the LPL on 26 November at 7:30 p.m.
