Mahmudullah tests positive for Covid-19, set to miss Pakistan Super League

Veteran Bangladesh cricketer Mahmudullah Riyad has tested positive for the coronavirus and will miss the playoffs of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed. 

According to Cricbuzz, a Bangladesh Cricket Board official said, “Mahmudullah was tested corona positive and will not be able to take part in the upcoming PSL play-offs.”

Mahmudullah told ESPNCricinfo, ”I was surprised with a positive result from my Covid test, on November 6. I didn’t have fever or any other symptoms other than a bit of cold. Nothing more than that. I got tested for a second time yesterday, and that also came out as positive. I am now taking rest in a separate room. I am a little worried about my wife and kids. I am seeking everyone’s prayers for quick recovery and for my family’s well-being.

“It is disappointing to miss the chance to play in the PSL. It is a competitive tournament. It was a good opportunity to play a couple of matches there. I am now looking forward to getting well soon and try to participate in our Bangabandhu T20 Cup,” he added. 

The senior Bangladesh batsman and the team’s explosive opening batsman Tamim Iqbal were selected as the replacements for the final leg of the Pakistan Super League to be played from November 14-17. While Mahmudullah was picked up by Multan Sultans in place of the English all-rounder Moeen Ali, Tamim was roped in by Lahore Qalanders to replace Australian batsman Chris Lynn. 

The report added that the Bangladesh Cricket Board had provided Mahmudullah and Tamim with No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to play in the Pakistan Super League since the tournament will not clash with the upcoming Bangabandhu Twenty20 tournament. 

The 34-year-old Mahmudullah has so far played 49 Tests, 188 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 87 Twenty20 Internationals since his international debut in 2007. He has also captained Bangladesh.