Two Sri Lankan cricketers contract Covid-19 ahead of Asia Cup 2023

Sri Lanka are yet to announce their final squad for Asia Cup 2023.

Asia Cup 2023‘s opening game is just a few days away, and with excitement and anticipation building around the tournament, there is bad news awaiting the fans. Just before the start of the tournament, a COVID-19 setback has struck, as two players from the Sri Lankan camp have tested positive. Wicket-keeper batter Kusal Perera and opening batter Avishka Fernando’s have tested positive. This development has put the COVID-19 clouds above the entire Asia Cup tournament as well. Sri Lanka also suffered a few injuries just before the start of the tournament.

Sri Lanka suffer dual attack

Spin all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranaga and pace bowler Dushmantha Chameera are set to miss the initial stage of the Asia Cup after injuries. Chameera is likely to be ruled out of the Asia Cup tournament due to a shoulder injury. Chameera injured himself in middle of the Lankan Premier League 2023, playing for B-Love Kandy. While Wanindu Hasaranga has a thigh niggle and will be missing out on Sri Lanka’s league games in the tournament. Sri Lanka are placed in Group B along with Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Sri Lanka will be playing to defend their Asia Cup title. They were the winners of the championship last year in the T20 format.

Sri Lanka are yet to announce their squad for the upcoming Asia Cup. With injuries and COVID-19 coming into the picture, Sri Lanka will have to shift to plan B. Both the COVID-19-positive players are under observation, and their selection will be considered only after observing their recovery. Both players developed COVID-19 symptoms at the end of the Lankan Premier League, which concluded on August 20. Sri Lanka will soon announce their Asia Cup squad, as there are only a few days left for the tournament to begin.

Sri Lanka will be hosting the tournament along with Pakistan. For the first time in history, the Asia Cup will be hosted by two different countries. Pakistan will host four games in the tournament in Multan and Lahore, while Sri Lanka will host nine games across Kandy and Colombo. This model was used only to secure India’s participation in the tournament. Sri Lanka will open their Asia Cup campaign against Bangladesh at Pallekele Stadium in Kandy on August 31 and then take on Afghanistan in their second league game at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on September 5.

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