Delhi Capitals (DC) all-rounder Mitch Marsh has been hospitalised after testing positive for Covid-19 with a CT value of 17, a source told Sports Tak. In addition to Marsh, DC's team doctor, member of social media team and three hotel staff personnel have tested positive for the virus as well.
Capitals are to play Punjab Kings on April 20 at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. Hemang Amin, Chief Operating Office of Indian Premier League (IPL), has said that they will wait for tests results till April 19. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will take a call on their clash against PBKS after the test results.
What does the rule say?
As per BCCI rules, DC's fixture against PBKS will be postponed if they fail to field a playing XI. If postponing the fixture is not possible, the issue will be taken up by IPL Technical Committee for a final decision.
“BCCI, at its discretion, will attempt to reschedule the match for later in the season if a team cannot field a playing XI due to COVID-19. If this is not possible, the issue will be referred to the IPL Technical Committee,” states the rule.
Farhart connection
Marsh was undergoing rehab under team physio Patrick Farhart's guidance. It is also possible that the T20 World Cup 2021-winning Aussie all-rounder picked up mild symptoms during the period.
"DC were supposed to travel to Pune today but the entire squad members have been told to retire to their respective rooms and as per protocol RT PCR is being done to ascertain whether there is an outbreak in the camp or it is an isolated case like Patrick Farhart," a BCCI source had earlier said.
DC's IPL performance so far
DC lost their previous game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Marsh made his debut in that game after recovering from injury. He had an unimpressive outing scoring just 14 runs from 24 deliveries which contributed to DC falling short of target by 17 runs. Currently, they are placed eighth on the points table with two wins from three games.