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Women’s WC qualifier match called off due to Covid fears


Published : 27 Nov 2021 07:27 PM | Updated : 27 Nov 2021 07:27 PM

The Women's World Cup Qualifier match between Sri Lanka and West Indies in Harare has been called off over what is understood to be Covid-19 fears in the region. It is also understood that the tournament itself could also be postponed - though the other two games on the day, Thailand vs USA and Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, went ahead on schedule - but that a decision is yet to be taken.

"The match has been cancelled, probably due to the Covid situation in the African countries," Ashley de Silva, the Sri Lanka Cricket CEO, told ESPNcricinfo. "All the teams are still in Zimbabwe, and the ICC is having internal discussions as to how to move forward. We'll wait for their direction."

Sri Lanka have already had positive cases of Covid-19 in their squad since reaching Zimbabwe, the last of which was detected prior to their match against Netherlands on Tuesday. That match did go ahead with Sri Lanka winning a rain-affected fixture by 34 runs.

However, the situation in Zimbabwe and other southern African countries is believed to have worsened in recent days. The new Covid-19 variant, named Omicron, has been called "of concern" by the World Health Organization. It was first detected in South Africa earlier this week.

This has resulted in several European nations and the USA announcing travel restrictions to the region. The Sri Lankan government, too, has announced travel restrictions to six southern African countries, including Zimbabwe.