BCB begins Covid-19 tests of U-19s’ primary squad

The U-19 primary squad's Covid-19 tests began today at Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) National Cricket Academy premises with assistance from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). 27 players and support staff were tested today.

BCB will test around 65 players and support staff in three four dates. The next dates of testing are 18 and 20 August. The results are expected within 48 hours of the tests and the players who tests negative can begin training at BKSP. "We are hoping that with 20 or 21 August the tests will be completed and then the players can move to BKSP in phases for training," BCB chief physician Debashish Chowdhury said in a media release.

"There was some fear and trepidation at the beginning but now it feels okay," one of the players said.

"Actually, there is nothing else to do in this situation than taking the tests," another remarked.

AEM Kawsar, senior manager of the BCB's national game development reiterated that everything was meticulously planned.

"This was planned very properly. The coaches and the executives here have contacted the players and talked to them about home quarantine a week before on August 8. How they will stay, travel and conduct themselves in quarantine was strictly followed. Apart from these, each and every player has been given a separate room. We have staff here who will be helping bring things to the players while maintaining social distancing.

Bangladesh go into the next U-19 World Cup as defending champions. The preparation ahead of the 2019 World Cup had been meticulous with many matches played before heading to South Africa but the pandemic has seized a certain number of tours from the new batch of young Tigers this time around as they gear up for the 2022 World Cup. BCB are hoping that by getting back to cricket, they will be prepared to go ahead with future tours.