Karachi: Bangladeshi all-rounder Mahmudullah Riyad has tested positive for COVID-19 which subsequently rules him out for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season five playoffs.
Multan Sultans drafted Mahmudullah in place of England’s Moeen Ali and was supposed to leave Dhaka on November 9.
According to ESPNCricinfo, Bangladesh’s T20I captain said that he got tested twice to be sure, but after two positive results, he has isolated himself in a separate room at his house.
“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,” he said.
“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.
According to the PSL press-release, Multan Sultans may now choose a local or foreign player as a replacement and the same will be updated as and when finalised.
On the other hand, Liam Livingstone has been replaced by Saqib Mahmood in the Peshawar Zalmi squad. The replacement has been made after Livingstone became unavailable following his selection in England’s ODI squad for the South Africa tour.
It must be noted that last week PSL’s franchises confirmed their squads for the knock-out stage. The remaining four matches are scheduled to take place from November 14-17.