ZIMBABWE Cricket have confirmed that two local cricketers — Regis Chakabva and Timycen Maruma — have tested positive for Covid-19.
The duo, who are not part of the Chevrons currently touring Pakistan, were roommates for a week in a bio-secure bubble set up for players who were on standby at the ZC Academy House in Harare.
Two other members of staff, who were providing support services at the same facility, have also tested positive for the coronavirus.
This follows a screening, and testing exercise, for those who came into close contact with Chakabva and Maruma.
The rest of the Chevrons,who are on tour in Pakistan, stayed at a separate facility in a secluded wing at a Harare hotel.
They all tested negative before leaving for, and upon their arrival, in Islamabad this week.
The touring side are scheduled to undergo another round of coronavirus tests at the end of their quarantine period on Tuesday.
Chakabva and Maruma, as well as the other two infected backroom staffers, are now observing a period of self-isolation in accordance with Covid-19 protocols.
‘”We wish the four a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming them back at work soon,” ZC said in a statement.
“The health and well-being of our players, and staff, remains our highest priority at ZC.
“Therefore, apart from providing support to those infected, and affected, we will continue to adhere to Government and public health guidelines with regards to our facilities and staff and will be taking further steps to curb the spread of the corona virus.
“’In the meantime, ZC has temporarily closed the Academy House for disinfection.’”
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe captain, Chamu Chibhabha, is confident conditions in Pakistan will help his side get their campaign, for a place at the next ICC Cricket World Cup, off to a good start.
The Chevrons are scheduled to face Pakistan in three one-day international matches in Rawalpindi.
All three ODIs will be day-night affairs.
Chibhabha, who is one of the six Zimbabwe players in the current squad who toured Pakistan in 2015, said they were still trying to get accustomed to the local conditions.
But, he said, he expects high-scoring encounters.
“From our experience in 2015, we know we are going to play on a flat wicket — some might have a bit of spin on them, slow and turning, but we are expecting a lot of runs on the board in this series,” he said.
“Obviously, it’s going to be hot but it’s not as bad as we expected.
“We will also be playing day-night matches, so dew is going to play a huge factor.”
The first game is scheduled for October 30, with the other two fixtures are set for November 1 and 3.-Chronicle
