All CPL players and staff test negative for COVID-19

The 162-member Caribbean Premier League contingent, comprising players, support staff, match officials, and administrators, traveling to Trinidad and Tobago has tested negative for COVID-19.

According to a CPL media release, three players and a coach have not been able to travel as a result of the stringent protocols to ensure the safety of the CPL cohort and also the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Tests were conducted 72 hours the travel to ensure that all members of the party were traveling virus-free. A Jamaica-based player tested positive for the virus and since he had been training with two others, so all three were withdrawn. One coach based in Australia also tested positive, so he was not able to travel either.

The 162 people will now be quarantined in the official hotel for 14 days where they will be tested regularly. 

“If any member of the party is found to have contracted the virus they will be removed from the hotel and placed in further isolation in accordance with the current protocols in Trinidad & Tobago, but as of now all those who have arrived in Trinidad & Tobago are free from COVID-19,” the release said.

Michael Hall, Tournament Operations Director, said: “Our main priority is the health and wellbeing of all those involved in CPL and the wider population in the host country, to have got through this first step without any cases is encouraging news, but we will remain vigilant.”

The tournament kicks off on August 18 and will have 33 games played between just two venues in Trinidad. The final will take place on September 10. This is also the first time in the history of CPL that an Indian cricketer will be playing in the league. Mumbai’s 48-year-old leg-spinner Praveen Tambe, who has been a part of IPL teams in the past, will be playing for Trinbago Knight Riders.