Former Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar tested positive for COVID-19

Habibul Bashar, the former Bangladesh captain, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The veteran was recently busy during the BCB President’s Cup, which was won by Mahmudullah XI. The 48-year-old had shown symptoms of coronavirus after which on Tuesday, November 10, the Kushtia-born sent the samples to have clarity.

The results of the test came as ‘positive’ on Wednesday, November 11. Bashar, previously said that he had a fever for around two to three days following which the symptoms showed up. He had some cold-related issues, which has reduced to a large extent.

Habibul Bashar staying in isolation

For the time being, as per reports in BDcrictime, Bashar is staying in isolation. Recently, Bangladesh Test captain Mominul Haque and all-rounder Mahmudullah Riyad were also tested positive for COVID-19. Mahmudullah was set to ply his trade for the Multan Sultans in the playoffs for the 2020 edition of the Pakistan Super League (IPL).

But before boarding the flight, he was tested for the virus and he had to isolate himself. His national teammate Tamim Iqbal would be playing for the Lahore Qalandars in the PSL. Tamim replaced Chris Lynn, who had scored a century in the league stage.

Before Mominul, Bashar and Riyad, a number of Bangladesh cricketers fell prey to the virus. Former skipper Mashrafe Mortaza, Nazmul Islam Apu and Nafees Iqbal were also tested positive. But they managed to recover from the same, much to their relief.

Bashar- a legendary figure 

As far as Bashar is concerned, he is one of the colossal figures in Bangladesh cricket. He made his debut against Sri Lanka way back in 1995 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. In 2000, he played the Tigers’ maiden Test against India in Dhaka.

In 50 Tests and 111 ODIs, the right-hander scored 3,026 and 2,168 runs respectively with three centuries and 38 half-centuries. It goes without saying that he was a stalwart of Bangladesh’s middle order across all the formats.

Under his leadership, Bangladesh also made the second round in the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies. In the tournament, his men beat India and South Africa. His last international match was against South Africa in Dhaka in February 2008.