Former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza tests positive for coronavirus

All-rounder among three cricketers in country who revealed they have contracted the virus

Former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza has tested positive for coronavirus. Reuters

Former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza and two other players revealed they have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam and former opener Nafees Iqbal were the other two who revealed their positive results.

Mortaza, who stepped down as the ODI captain in March but remains available for selection, announced the news on social media late on Saturday.

"Today my Covid-19 results came as positive. Everyone please pray for my quick recovery," Mortaza wrote in his post.

"The number of infected people has now crossed one lakh [100,000]. 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."

Mortaza, also a member of parliament, had been active in helping people during the pandemic, particularly in his hometown and constituency Narail, west of the capital Dhaka.

Nafees, the elder brother of Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal, played 11 Tests and 16 ODIs for his country and is currently a domestic coach.

"Ten days ago I was feeling feverish. For two days my body temperature was high. I lost my appetite, felt very weak," Nafees was quoted as saying by AFP.

"Then I gave sample for the test and the result came that I am Covid-19 positive."

Left arm spinner Nazmul, who took part in virus aid work in his hometown of Narayanganj, said he received his results on Saturday.

"I don't know how I got it. My parents also tested positive along with me," the 28-year-old was quoted as saying by AFP.

Bangladesh has confirmed over 108,000 infections and more than 1,400 deaths from the coronavirus so far.

Earlier, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi revealed he had contracted the virus. He too was involved in charity work on the ground before being struck by Covid-19.

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