English umpire Michael Gough removed from officiating duties of T20 WC for six days due to bubble breach

Bio bubbles have become an integral part of the cricketing tournament around the world ever since the pandemic has taken over the world. Players, families along with all staff members need to follow it to maintain the smooth run of the game, and any breach results in unwanted consequences. In the same light, English umpire Michael Gough has been removed from officiating in the ongoing T20 World Cup for six days due to a bubble breach.

As per reports, Gough has been withdrawn from the current tournament for six days and has been placed under strict quarantine after it was found that he went out of the bubble to meet some people. The former Durham batter, who has been regarded as one of the best umpires in international setup, has been asked by ICC Bio-Security Committee to stay in quarantine now.

“The Bio-Security Advisory Committee has instructed Umpire Michael Gough to isolate for six days due to a breach of the event bio-security protocols,” said an ICC spokesperson as quoted by Daily Mirror.

Michael Gough was due to officiate in India vs New Zealand clash

The reports followed up when Gough left the hotel without any permission on October 29 to meet people outside the bubble. He was due to officiate in India’s match against New Zealand which took place on October 31 but due to his breach, he was removed from the panel and South Africa’s Marais Erasmus replaced him. Talking about his current status, he is now quarantining at his hotel and being tested for COVID-19 every alternate day.

It remains to be seen if Gough comes clean after his six days quarantine and will begin his umpiring duties. However, it is still not clear if ICC will further take any action against him in the future regarding his bio bubble breach.

Talking about the tournament, it is almost wrapping up with its league stage and moving towards the semi-finals games. The finale of T20 WC 2021 will be played in Dubai on November 14 where Pakistan and England are respective toppers from group two and one in the points table.