'We shouldn't be using the virus to spread sensationalism' - Brian Lara squashes rumours of testing COVID-19 positive

West Indies’ legendary batsman Brian Lara, on Tuesday, took to Twitter and Instagram to clear rumours about him testing COVID-19 positive. The left-hander confirmed that he did undergo a test for coronavirus but his reports came out negative.

Furthermore, Lara, regarded as one of the greats to have braced the sport, requested everyone to stop spreading rumours. The world is already going through distress amid the pandemic and Lara urged everyone to not spread any false rumours during these times.

“Hi everyone, I have read all the circulating rumours regarding me testing positive for the coronavirus and it is important I clarify the facts. Not only is this information false, but it is also detrimental to spread such panic in a community already feeling the distress of the COVID-19 situation.

While you haven’t personally affected me, what causes concern is that spread of wrongful information is careless and causes unnecessary worry amongst a lot of people that would have been in my circle,” wrote the West Indies legend.

I hope and pray that all of us remain safe: Brian Lara

Lara also urged that the novel virus shouldn’t be used by the people as a tool for spreading sensationalism. He also prayed for everyone to remain safe at a time when the pandemic has wreaked its havoc all across the globe. “This virus isn’t something we should be using in a negative manner to create sensationalism. I hope and pray that all of us remain safe because as is noticeable COVID-19 is going nowhere in the near future,” Lara said.

Widely acknowledged as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, Lara donned the West Indies jersey in 131 Tests and scored 11953 runs at an impressive average of almost 53. He even amassed 34 tons and 48 half-centuries in the traditional format.

Talking about his expeditions with the white ball, the left-hander represented the Men in Maroon in 299 ODIs and scored over 10,000 runs at an average of 40.5. His consistency and run-scoring spree across both the formats made him one of the most decorated players in the history of cricket.

Here’s the post:

View this post on Instagram

Hi everyone, I have read all the circulating rumours regarding me testing positive for the coronavirus and it is important I clarify the facts. Not only is this information false, it is also detrimental to spread such panic in a community already feeling the distress of the covid situation. While you haven’t personally affected me, what causes concern is that spread of wrongful information is careless and causes unnecessary worry amongst a lot of people that would have been in my circle. This virus isn’t something we should be using in a negative manner to create sensationalism. I hope and pray that all of us remain safe because as is noticeable covid 19 is going nowhere in the near future. #stopthepanic #staysafe #lookafteryourownself

A post shared by Brian Lara (@brianlaraofficial) on Aug 5, 2020 at 11:09am PDT