The players had taken part in the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe; unclear whether the positive tests were for the new Omicron variant
Six Sri Lanka women cricketers who took part in the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe have tested positive for Covid-19, the SLC said on Sunday.
The ICC had called off the qualifiers in Zimbabwe on Saturday after discovery of a new variant in South Africa, which has prompted widespread travel curbs. It was not known whether the Sri Lankan players’ positive tests were for the new Omicron variant of the virus.
The ICC took its decision after Saturday’s game between the West Indies and Sri Lanka was called off when a member of the Sri Lankan support staff tested positive for Covid.
“Steps will be taken to bring back the Sri Lanka women’s team from Zimbabwe,” SLC said.
The detection of the Omicron variant in South Africa has prompted some countries to tighten border controls and impose curbs on travel from several southern African countries, including Zimbabwe.
After the cancellation of the qualifiers, the ICC said that Bangladesh, Pakistan and the West Indies will progress to next year’s World Cup in New Zealand by virtue of their rankings. The three teams will join New Zealand, Australia, India, England and South Africa.
South African sport began to shut down on Friday as the travel bans forced rugby teams and golfers to scramble to try to leave the country.