Afghanistan's squad in Bangladesh hit by a raft of Covid cases

Eight Afghanistan cricketers and three members of the support staff have tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the upcoming series against Bangladesh. Touring members who have cleared that test have begun practice at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday (February 15).

A 22-member Afghanistan team arrived in Dhaka on February 12 and moved to Sylhet the day after to partake in a preparation camp ahead of the three ODI, two T20I series. Three cricketers later joined the touring contingent after completing their stints in Bangladesh Premier League. Leading Afghan stars Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, who are currently participating in the Pakistan Super League, will join the squad ahead of the ODI series.

Cricbuzz understands that the team practiced on February 14 before obtaining the results of their tests. Once the results were made known, the touring party decided to go into isolation.

''Look now they are not under our protocol considering the series will start from February 19 but now whatever support they will want now we will provide that,'' said a BCB official on Tuesday. ''If the symptoms are mild then they will be isolation and if that is not the case we will have to transfer them to hospital but at the moment they are looking after their own well being,'' he added.

Those that tested positive are expected to have undergo tests again in five to seven days and if cleared, can start practice along with other team members.

The Afghanistan team is scheduled to fly to Chattogram on February 19 to play the ODI series beginning on February 23. Both the teams will travel to Dhaka for the two T20Is on March 3 and 5.