England umpire Michael Gough has been withdrawn from officiating in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE for six days after an alleged bio-bubble breach. The reports further suggest that he has been put in a six-day quarantine period.
According to a report in ‘The Daily Mirror’, Michael Gough was asked to step down by the ICC Bio-Security Committee after his alleged breach of the bio-bubble protocols.
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Michael Gough is regarded as one of the best umpires going in international cricket.
The sanction came after Gough reportedly left his hotel without permission on Friday to meet with people outside the tournament’s bubble.
“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,” an ICC spokesperson was quoted as saying by the newspaper.
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Former Durham batsman was due to officiate the match between India and New Zealand in Dubai but was withdrawn following his bio-bubble breach. South Africa’s Marais Erasmus replaced him for the match.
Gough is currently put under quarantine where he is being tested for Covid-19 on every alternative day. However, it is still unclear whether he will be allowed to resume his duties for the remainder of the tournament if he comes out clean from coronavirus.
The league matches of the Super 12 round will be played till 8 November when India will take on Namibia. The semi-finals will be played on November 10 and 11 followed by the final on November 14 in Dubai.
