The fifth and final Test between India and England scheduled to be held at Old Trafford in Manchester between September 10-14 has been cancelled due to COVID-19 outbreak scare within Team India. Series paused at 2-1 as both the boards looking for a window to reschedule the game.
Future of this Match?
There have been speculations going around that India have forfeited the game as per the ECB’s earlier release but, that was rectified later.
BCCI in an official statement released via twitter handle stated, “The BCCI and ECB held several rounds of discussion to find a way to play the Test Match, however, the outbreak of Covid-19 in the Indian team contingent forced the decision of calling off the Old Trafford Test Match.”
“In lieu of the strong relationship between BCCI and ECB, the BCCI has offered to ECB a rescheduling of the cancelled Test match. Both the Boards will work towards finding a window to reschedule this Test match.”
“The BCCI has always maintained that the safety and well-being of the players is of paramount importance and there will be no comprise on that aspect.”
ECB suggests postponing the fifth Test by two days. BCCI is reluctant to change the schedule with IPL 2021 scheduled to restart on September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
ECB Declare Officially
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) declared the information regarding the same via an official statement.
The ECB, stated: “Following ongoing conversations with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the ECB can confirm that the fifth Test between England and India Men due to start today at Old Trafford, will be cancelled.
“Due to fears of a further increase in the number of COVID cases inside the camp, India are regrettably unable to field a team.
“We send our sincere apologies to fans and partners for this news, which we know will cause immense disappointment and inconvenience to many.”
It has been understood as per a report by ESPNCricinfo that BCCI and ECB are in intense discussions after India’s assistant physiotherapist Yogesh Parmar tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday.
More than one India player have raised concerns about taking the field on Friday. They have been in touch with the BCCI administration about this development over the last two days.
Funny Twitter Reactions
Former Indian cricketers, Dinesh Karthik, Virender Sehwag and Wasim Jaffer posted some funny reactions on Twitter as clouds loomed over India vs England fifth Test in Manchester.
Read More: Clouds loom over start of Old Trafford Test after COVID scare; BCCI, ECB hold frenetic discussions
