USA-Ireland ODIs cancelled due to Covid-19 concerns

The three-match One-Day International series between USA and Ireland has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Two members of the Ireland support staff tested positive for Covid, as well as several partners of players, resulting in two of the Irish players being deemed as ‘close contacts’.

Ireland are now scheduled to play three ODIs and a solitary T20I in West Indies next month and will fly from Florida to Kingston, Jamaica on December 31. But, the two members of the support staff who have tested positive will be required to complete their isolation in Florida.

"The decision has been a difficult one to make, but clearly the right outcome from a player and staff health and safety perspective. While there are no positive Covid results amongst the Irish players, we have had two support staff test positive and a number of travelling partners and family members also testing positive. This has meant two players within our playing ranks being deemed 'close contacts' and have been isolating while they are further tested and monitored," said Cricket Ireland's High Performance Director, Richard Holdsworth.

"From a broader perspective, consideration had to be given to the current series as well as the second leg of our tour. We need to be mindful of travel requirements for entering Jamaica and meeting Cricket West Indies Covid protocols. Over the coming days we will prioritise the health and safety of our players and staff, and work with local officials in ensuring our people are well looked after - whether preparing to travel onward to Jamaica, or having to remain in Florida a little longer in isolation.

"We would like to thank USA Cricket for hosting us, and working so closely with Cricket Ireland and the ICC on the series. It is a real pity for the fans, staff, volunteers and all those who have helped put this series on to see it end this way, but we see great potential in cricket in the USA and will certainly return during better times."

Ireland became the first Full Member men's team to tour USA. The hosts defeated Ireland by 26 runs in the first T20I but the Andrew Balbirnie-led side won the next game by nine runs to level the two-match series 1-1.