COVID-19 forces players, coach out of CPL

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The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has taken an early hit from the COVID-19 virus with three players and a coach being ruled out of the trip to Trinidad.

Australian Simon Helmot, head coach of the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots was tested positive for COVID-19.

Noted cricket website, Cricinfo, reported that Helmot was preparing to travel to the Caribbean to assume duties for the Caribbean Premier League T20 franchise tournament being staged exclusively in Trinidad from Aug. 18 to Sept. 10, when he got the unexpected results.

His place was taken by West Indies fast bowling legend, Courtney Walsh, who has joined the coaching staff.

West Indies’ Jermaine Blackwood walks off dejected after losing his wicket during a Test match against England. Action Images via Reuters / Andrew Boyers

In addition to Helmot, Patriots Assistant Coach, Malolan Rangarajan will also miss the CPL campaign because of obligations to the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore.

ESPNcricinfo has identified two Tallawahs players who have been withdrawn, Andre McCarthy and Jeavor Royal. They have been replaced by West Indies Test batsman, Jermaine Blackwood and former regional youth spinner Ramaal Lewis.

All the regional and international players have arrived in Trinidad on a chartered Caribbean Airways flight from St. Lucia where they traveled to Barbados before landing at Piarco International Airport last week.

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