COLOMBO: Sri Lanka on Tuesday postponed the second Twenty20 International against India just hours before its start, after an Indian player tested positive for coronavirus.

All-rounder Krunal Pandya was found positive during a routine check, Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement.

“The medical teams have identified eight members as close contacts,” the SLC said. “The entire contingent is undergoing RT-PCR tests today to ascertain any further outbreak in the squad.”

It is the second time in less than a week that an international has been called off at the last minute because of Covid-19.

A One-day International last Thursday between West Indies and Australia was called off after the two captains had carried out the toss because a ground staff member tested positive.

No details were given on how Pandya, 30, could have contracted the virus.

India arrived in Sri Lanka on June 28 and have been in a strict bio-bubble in a luxury Colombo hotel since then. No other guests have been allowed in the hotel.

India confirmed that Pandya had tested positive and that the entire squad was undergoing more tests.

Both teams said they hoped the game would be played Wednesday in Colombo, with the final match still scheduled for Thursday.

Published in Dawn, July 28th , 2021