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Bongani Ndlovu, Sports Reporter
THREE Sri Lanka players have tested positive for Covid-19 at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2021 which started in Harare yesterday and are isolating, with organisers saying the tournament will go on.

In a statement, the ICC said the players tested positive following a screening of all team members after one player showed mild symptoms, as per the bio-secure protocols in place to ensure the safety of all participants in the nine-team event.

“Two of the players are experiencing mild symptoms, whilst the third is asymptomatic. All three are isolating and receiving the appropriate medical care. The remainder of the Sri Lanka squad are negative, but are currently isolating as a precaution and will be re-tested ahead of their opening match against the Netherlands on Tuesday,” read the ICC statement.

ICC head of events Chris Tetley said the event would be proceeding as planned.

“We have playing squads of 15 at the event, which allows for injuries and illness, including Covid-19 to be managed, and in addition teams have had the option of bringing travelling reserves with them. As you would expect, the remainder of the squad is being closely monitored and they will all be re-tested ahead of taking to the field on Tuesday.

“The event bio-security plan provides us with protocols to manage positive tests effectively with the intention of enabling the event to proceed whilst keeping all other players and participants safe.”

Sri Lanka play the Netherlands in their opening match on Tuesday with their remaining Group A matches coming on Saturday versus the West Indies and against Ireland on Monday.

Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Zimbabwe and the USA form Group B, with three sides from each group making it to the Super Six stage, in which the final placings will be decided.

The tournament decides three qualifiers for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 to be held in New Zealand from March 4 to April 3, joining five teams which have already qualified through the ICC Women’s Championship; Australia, England, India, South Africa and New Zealand.