1st ODI between USA and Ireland off due to virus

The first One Day International in the USA v Ireland Men’s International Series scheduled for Boxing Day has unfortunately been cancelled 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 4 of the umpires unavailable for the first ODI with the 3 negative tested umpires being deemed as close contacts to the 1 positive case.

The 2nd and 3rd ODIs, currently scheduled for the 28th and 30th of December, will go ahead as planned, with an alternative match official group if required. 

"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 U.S. statement said Friday.

It said one umpire tested positive for COVID-19, but the other three scheduled to officiate were deemed close contacts, so none of the crew would be available for the match. The second one-day match is scheduled for Tuesday and the third next Thursday, both also in Ft. Lauderdale.

The teams split a two-match Twenty20 series, with the U.S. upsetting Ireland in the first match but Ireland winning the second.

(With inputs from PTI and CUSA Press Release)