SLC Invitational T20 League: 3 players reportedly test positive for COVID-19 virus

The 2021 edition of the SLC Invitational T20 League is yet to get underway and the COVID-19 virus has made a mark. It has been reported that three Sri Lankan cricketers participating in the T20 competition in Kandy have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Ever since the COVID-19 virus came in the picture, many major series and tournaments have been called off and postponed.

The global pandemic has even forced many tournaments to suspend midway due to COVID cases in the camp. Now, dark clouds are looming over the Sri Lanka-based tournament as well. For the unversed, it is the first edition of the SLC Invitational T20 League which will see four teams in action. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) organized this competition to unearth some of the best talents in the country and prepare for this year’s T20 World Cup in the UAE.

Four teams to take part in SLC Invitational T20 League

As per the schedule, the tournament will get underway on August 12 with the final clash taking place on August 24. All the games will take place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Players are divided into four squads namely the ‘Blues,’ ‘Reds,’ ‘Greens,’ and ‘Greys’ with 15 members in each squad.

While the tournament has a lot in prospect, participating players contracting the COVID-19 virus isn’t a pleasant piece of news by any means. Although any official announcement is yet to come, it is reported that Sachindu Colambage, Mohamed Shiraz, and Nimesh Vimukthi have tested positive.  As per the current developments, the remaining players and officials will depart to Kandy for the tournament.

Meanwhile, Team Sri Lanka hasn’t been doing well for the past few years and it would be interesting to see if this 13-day long tournament brings any betterment in their performance. Ashley De Silva, CEO of SLC, certainly has high hopes from the competition.

This tournament is aimed at giving much-needed match practice to the players, ahead of the important international cricketing fixtures, and also give match exposure to the players, who did not get an opportunity to play during Sri Lanka’s Tour of England and also the concluded series against India,’ Silva said.