First unofficial one-day match between Bangladesh Emerging and Ireland Wolves called off after player tests positive for Covid-19

The first one-day match between Bangladesh Emerging Team and Ireland Wolves had to be abandoned after 30 overs of action in Chattogram on Friday. A positive Covid-19 test report came in for allrounder Ruhan Pretorius, who was on the field as part of the Irish XI, reported ESPNcricinfo. The 30-year-old Pretorius had been tested on Thursday.

BCB's CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury said that there was no option but to call off the match because of the timing of the test report. He also confirmed that all the other members of the two sides would be tested again before the next match which is scheduled for Sunday.

"We follow the protocol of taking the individual into isolation as soon as he is found positive," Chowdhury explained. "The report [for Pretorius] arrived slightly later in the morning, which left us with no choice. Our next step is to test everyone before the next game."

According to ESPNcricinfo, the report which had been delayed in reaching the venue, came in after the match had started. The Ireland team management had initially considered using a replacement player but later decided to leave the field. And while it is not clear at what point the Ireland fielders were informed of the situation - and whether he left the field immediately - there were discussions about the possible replacement as early as during the first drinks break.

"Prior to today's game, both squads received negative results for Covid, and the game proceeded as per protocols. However, a review of results by mid-morning by the local laboratory detected one positive test in the Ireland Wolves squad," a Cricket Ireland press release said.

"Play was suspended and the player was immediately isolated ahead of a further test today," it added.

Pretprious bowled four overs before the news broke out and he also bagged the wicket of Yasir Ali. 

He was immediately isolated as the Ireland team returned to the hotel.

The match was being aired on the BCB's official YouTube channel. Bangladesh Emerging Team was 122 for 4 at the stage match was called off. 

The details emerged later, as well as the confirmation that the Ireland players had decided not to complete the game once they came to know of Pretorius' test result.

Ireland Wolves have already played their only four-day game of the tour, and this was the first of the five-match one-day series against Bangladesh Emerging Team, with the next matches slotted for March 7, 9, 12, and 14. The two sides are also scheduled to play two T20s on March 17 and 18.