Three Bangladesh cricketer, former captain Mashrafe Mortaza, Nazmul Islam and Nafees Iqbal have tested positive for the COVID-19.
Mortaza, who represented Bangladesh in 36 Tests, 220 ODIs and 54 T20Is, is the second high-profile cricket player who tested positive for coronavirus; last week, Shahid Afridi was tested positive.
“Today my COVID-19 results came as positive. Everyone, please pray for my quick recovery,” Mortaza, wrote on his Facebook page on Saturday evening.
“The number of infected has now crossed one lakh. We all have to become more careful. Let’s all stay at home and not get out unless it is necessary. I am abiding by the protocol at home. Rather than panic, we need to raise awareness about the corona,” he added.
Mortaza, who is also a member of Bangladesh Parliament, was active with his philanthropic activities amid the pandemic, lending a helping hand to the people in his hometown and constituency Narail.
The 28-year-old left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam, who was involved in distributing food and other supplies in his hometown Narayanganj, one of the worst-hit areas in Bangladesh also tested positive for COVID-19, according to Daily Star newspaper.
Former Bangladesh cricketer Nafees Iqbal and the elder brother of ODI captain Tamim Iqbal, have also tested positive for coronavirus. Nafees himself confirmed that he has contracted the deadly virus and is in home isolation in Chittagong, according to the report.
“I had the first symptom ten days ago. I had a fever and had aches and pains in the body but had recovered by the third day. But I still took the COVID-19 test just to be sure, and the result came back positive. I am doing fine at the moment,” Nafees said.
