BAN vs SL | Shakib Al Hasan tests positive for COVID-19, to miss first Test

In a major blow to Bangladesh's cricket team, their ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, reportedly, has tested positive for COVID-19 and will, therefore, miss the first Test match of the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

As per the reports, Shakib returned a positive report for the novel coronavirus upon his arrival in Dhaka from the United States. Although Bangladesh were already undergoing a preparatory camp in Chattogram's Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Shakib was given a two-day leave and had to join the team on Wednesday (May 11).

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) doctor Manzur Hossain Chowdhury confirmed the development.

After the 35-year-old reached Dhaka, he underwent a COVID-19 test, the report of which ultimately came positive. As per the protocols, Shakib is currently in isolation and will join the team after five days.

"He returned from USA today and was supposed to join the team in Chattogram, but he tested positive for Covid-19 today. We are still following the protocols set by England, according to which he will automatically be able to join the team after five days in isolation," Chowdhury informed The Daily Star.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will tour Bangladesh for a two-match Test series. The first game is scheduled at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram, on May 15 and will be followed by the second fixture that will start on May 23 at Shere Bangla National Stadium Dhaka.