Arthur, Thirimanne test positive for COVID-19, SLC look to reschedule West Indies tour

Sri Lanka Head Coach Mickey Arthur and Lahiru Thirimanne tested positive for COVID-19, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed in a statement today.

Thirimanne was part of a 36-member training squad that was has been preparing for the upcoming tour of West Indies, with players divided into three groups and practicing at different times. 

“We have followed Health guidelines and asked players that he (Thirimanne) may have come into contact with to isolate, and we have cancelled the practices scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday) and day after. We will consult the SLC medical panel and decide when we need to do further testing,” SLC CEO Ashley de Silva said. 

SLC, in their statement, also said they would now look to postpone the upcoming tour of the West Indies, scheduled to begin later this month.

"They were detected following PCR Tests carried out yesterday (02nd February) for the entire 36-member squad, along with the coaching staff, net bowlers, and the HPC (High Performance Centre) staff."

“Immediately upon identification, both Mickey Arthur and Lahiru Thirimanne have been directed to follow the Government’s health protocol laid out on COVID-19,” the statement also said.

“Considering the current situation, SLC is exploring the possibility of rescheduling the Tour of West Indies, which was scheduled to commence on February 20 2021,” SLC added in its statement.

Thirimanne confirmed the positive test on his Twitter account.

"Hi guys got the news that I’m positive for covid 19. I have got zero symptoms and I still don’t know where I infected (sic) the virus. But I have been (sic) informed authorities necessary details to prevent it going to others. Stay safe people," he tweeted.