Confusion over Sohan’s absence as Covid further strikes Barishal 

Confusion arose regarding Nurul Hasan Sohan's exclusion from the starting eleven of Fortune Barishal in the opening match of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) today.

The wicket-keeper batter was confirmed with Covid-19 on January 17, according to a statement from the Barishal management. And despite allegedly returning negative Covid test results twice afterwards, Barishal fielded their eleven against Chattogram Challengers without the talented player, who has been a familiar face in the national team of late.

The Barisal team led by Shakib Al Hasan have been struck by further Covid cases as batting coach Nazmul Abedeen Fahim and young batter Munim Shahriar returned positive today after the latest round of Covid test.

As per the health and safety protocols set by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), a player is eligible to play upon returning two negative results. Thus, at first, the BCB chief physician Debashish Chowdhury also seemed confused regarding the reason behind Sohan's absence.

"Nurul Hasan Sohan has undergone three tests. The first one returned positive but the next two returned negative. We have no issue from our side [of Sohan playing]. He is probably missing out for some other reason," the BCB chief physician told The Daily Star today.

As the match between Barishal and Chattogram got underway, Barishal management confirmed that Sohan is in isolation, and will go through another Covid test tomorrow.

When contacted again later, Debashish informed:

"Actually, I found out that two of his tests returned negative. He [Sohan] did one of his tests [privately] at Praava [Health] and the other one at Sikder [Medical College]. The result from Praava was negative and the report was sent to me. However, I'm yet to receive proof from the one at Sikder. Now there could be some issues. I have to consult the doctors."  

With the latest surge of coronavirus wreaking havoc all around the globe, it remains to be seen whether the BPL can continue amid increasing cases involving its participants.