[UPDATED] Covid19 bowls out Jamaica trio from CPL

File Photo  by Randy Brooks - CPL T20/Getty Images)
File Photo by Randy Brooks - CPL T20/Getty Images)

NARISSA FRASER and JELANI BECKLES

ANDRE McCarthy and Jeavor Royal, who were set to represent the Jamaica Tallawahs in the 2020 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), will miss the tournament after being exposed to another player who tested positive for covid19.

The player – while Jamaican – was set to represent the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

An article in the Jamaica Observer said CEO of Jamaica’s Cricket Association Courtney Francis said he was working closely with the country’s health ministry. Contacted on Monday morning, Francis told Newsday all the information in the report was true.

It said, “The Observer has learnt that the player who tested positive was among a group of cricketers who had been training under the supervision of Jamaica Scorpions Head Coach Andre Coley.

“They have been replaced by West Indies batsman Jermaine Blackwood and former regional youth spinner Ramaal Lewis.”

The rest of the Tallawahs squad was due to arrive in TT on Monday night.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Roshan Parasram – at the Health Ministry's virtual press conference on Monday morning – confirmed a total of 67 CPL players will be arriving. He did not indicate which teams the players are from.

The report added, “Players, coaches and members of the Jamaica Scorpions backroom staff are under quarantine, while health personnel are expected to begin testing of possible contacts today.”

Francis was quoted as saying, “It's unfortunate because it could have happened to anybody. And it is very unfortunate for those two players in particular. There is no evidence, as we speak, that they are ill, but because of how the protocols are set out and for the safety of everyone things had to be done that way.

“As it is, a person would require two straight negative tests before he or she is cleared, and even then there is the quarantine period, so they obviously would not catch that flight to Trinidad.”

Speaking with Newsday, Tallawahs CEO Jeff Miller noted, “The Tallawahs is like a family, and to lose two players from your family hurts. It hurts. I mean, they were training for all these weeks. The news was devastating to us and at the end of the day, it’s unfortunate."

Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) assistant coach Imran Jan told Newsday his players are following all the covid19 guidelines in an effort to stay safe. "It has been challenging naturally because this is the new normal. These guys are very professional in what they do. They have been professionals for all their adult life and (doing) what they have been asked and the guidelines given to them. So far, everyone has adhered to them and we have not had any issues."

Jan said TKR have adjusted their training regime because of the pandemic. "For example, when we warm up we don't huddle like the huddles before. If we have a football game we don't hug each other when someone scores a goal. Those are the things that we aren't doing that we use to do. A lot more sanitising and when we have to wear our masks, we wear our masks but it is a very challenging time."

The TKR staff members are doing their job in terms of keeping the players in check. Jan said, "On top of having the manager (Colin Borde), we have the physiotherapist (Ruel Rigsby and) he is (also) the medical person in our camp and he is on the ball...everybody is playing their part with regards to reminding the guys constantly what we need to do and what we can't do. Fingers crossed everything goes well."

The six CPL teams, which includes over 250 players and officials, will stay at the Hilton Hotel in St Ann's.

This story was originally published with the title "Jamaican CPL player tests positive for covid19" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

A JAMAICAN player who was set to compete in the 2020 Hero Caribbean Premier League has tested positive for covid19. He, along with two other players who were in contact with him, will miss the tournament.

According to an article from the Jamaica Observer, CEO of Jamaica’s Cricket Association Courtney Francis said he was working closely with the country’s health ministry. When contacted, Francis told Newsday all information in the article is true.

The report said, “The Observer has learnt that the player who tested positive was among a group of cricketers who had been training under the supervision of Jamaica Scorpions Head Coach Andre Coley.

“They have been replaced by West Indies batsman Jermaine Blackwood and former regional youth spinner Ramaal Lewis.”

The player who tested positive – while Jamaican – was set to represent another team in the competition. And the other two were expected to represent the Tallawahs.

The rest of the Tallawahs squad will be arriving in TT on Monday night. Chief Medical Officer Dr Roshan Parasram - at the Health Ministry's virtual press conference on Monday morning - confirmed a total of 67 CPL players will arrive on Monday night. He did not indicate which teams the players are from.

The report added, “Players, coaches and members of the Jamaica Scorpions backroom staff are under quarantine, while health personnel are expected to begin testing of possible contacts today.”

Francis was quoted as saying, “It's unfortunate because it could have happened to anybody. And it is very unfortunate for those two players in particular. There is no evidence, as we speak, that they are ill, but because of how the protocols are set out and for the safety of everyone things had to be done that way.

“As it is, a person would require two-straight negative tests before he or she is cleared, and even then there is the quarantine period, so they obviously would not catch that flight to Trinidad.”

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"[UPDATED] Covid19 bowls out Jamaica trio from CPL"

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