Jason Holder to miss West Indies tour of Bangladesh

Skipper Jason Holder is one of 10 players who will miss his country’s tour of Bangladesh because of “Covid-19 related concerns or personal fears”, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced, according to AFP.

Holder, Kieron Pollard, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran pulled out of the tour that includes three one-day internationals and two Tests in Chattogram and Dhaka.

Fabian Allen and Shane Dowrich are also unavailable for personal reasons.

According to AFP, CWI said its Covid-19 policy “allows any player to opt out of selection for an overseas tour, only when based on the player’s own safety fears or concerns.”

“Such decisions will not impact their consideration for future selection.”

The Test squad will be led by the experienced Kraigg Brathwaite, with Jermaine Blackwood as vice-captain, AFP reported.

Former West Indies A team captain Jason Mohammed will lead the ODI team with Sunil Ambris as vice-captain.

The West Indies touring party is due to arrive in Dhaka on January 10 and the series will run until Feb. 15.

“Tours of Bangladesh are never easy as they always play well in their own conditions,” said West Indies coach Roger Harper.

“Although a number of the senior players are missing in both formats, I expect our teams to be very competitive.”