Axar tests positive for COVID-19; Mumbai confident of hosting IPL matches at Wankhede Stadium

Left-arm spinner Axar Patel, who was one of the stars in the Indian team's Test series win over England, has tested positive for COVID-19, the Delhi Capitals franchise confirmed on Saturday.

The bowler has been put in isolation.

"Delhi Capitals all-rounder Axar Patel has tested positive for COVID-19. He had checked into the team hotel in Mumbai on March 28, 2021, with a negative report.

His report from the second COVID-19 test came positive," said a statement from the Delhi Capitals franchise.

"He is currently in isolation at a designated medical care facility. The Delhi Capitals medical team is in constant touch with Axar and ensuring his safety and well-being. We wish him a speedy recovery," the statement added.

Patel had taken 27 wickets in three Tests against England recently.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has said that there will be no hurdles in the conduct of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the city despite some of the ground staff at the Wankhede Stadium testing positive for COVID-19.

A source in the Mumbai Cricket Association said, "We have had two members of the ground-staff who tested positive but they were not present at Wankhede since the practice (they were to oversee preparations for) was going on at the MCA ground in Kandivali and Bandra Kurla Complex in Bandra. However, the second test for the two members has come out negative on Saturday and the final report of tests of all ground staff will come out on Monday."

The source added, "We have no concerns. There are talks that the BCCI is thinking of shifting the venue. The Mumbai Cricket Association believes that these are rumours. At the moment we have 40 groundsmen, enough staff to pick from to prepare the grounds."

When contacted, MCA secretary Sanjay Naik said he will be able to give his views only on Monday when the final report comes but added that there are no concerns when it comes to hosting of matches.

The MCA source added that the ground staff at the Wankhede is being lodged at the venue and won't move from the stadium. It has been learnt, however, that those at other venues were not restricted to the venues.

"The first match is on April 10, so we have enough time. The ground staff as well as the officials of the MCA are getting tested every second day," the source said.
Indo-Asian News Service