The first ODI between Ireland and the United States of America has been called off after the Umpire who was assigned the duties to conduct the match, tested positive for COVID-19. Ireland have currently gone on a tour to the USA to play a two-match T20I series and a 3-match ODI series.
The two T20I matches have already been played. USA won the first match while the visitors Ireland returned the favour by winning the second match in emphatic fashion.
The fans of both the sides and even the players were indeed looking forward to playing the ODI series as both the teams (especially USA) do not get many chances to prove themselves. However the unfortunate re-rise of COVID-19 and the umpire testing positive has washed off all their plans. The second and third ODIs are still on as of now. We will keep on updating you on the same here on our website.
USA cricket made the news public through a statement on their official website which was also propagated via their social media handles.
In the Statement, they said “USA Cricket and Cricket Ireland will continue to work closely together, alongside the ICC, to ensure the remainder of the series can continue, if safe to do so. The first One-Day International in the USA v Ireland Men’s International Series scheduled for Boxing Day has unfortunately been cancelled this evening due to a positive COVID case in the umpiring team of Match Officials during the ongoing testing as part of the series’ COVID managed environment.”
“This has left all four of the umpires unavailable for the first ODI with the three negative tested umpires being deemed as close contacts to the one positive case,” the statement added.
The second and third ODIs will be played on 28th and 30th December respectively.
“USA Cricket would like to thank all fans and supporters for their continued support and understanding. All ticket holders for the first One-Day International on December 26th may re-use their tickets for any additional match in the series. Alternatively, if you are unable to re-use your tickets, please send an email with your proof of purchase to [email protected] and your full fee will be refunded within seven working days.” it concluded.