Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders’ wicket-keeper batsman Tim Seifert has tested positive for COVID19. Thus, he won’t be flying back to New Zealand along with other Kiwi cricketers on a chartered flight and undergo a quarantine period in India.

Meanwhile, BCCI decided to halt the 14th edition of the cash-rich league midway after several cases of COVID19 and a potential bio-bubble breach emerged. Two members of Kolkata Knight Riders, one Sunrsiers Hyderabad cricketer, one Delhi Capitals, and three members of Chennai Super Kings tested positive for the deadly virus.

Tim Seifert tests positive for COVID19

And now, Tim Seifert has failed both his PCR tests prior to departure and is set to serve his quarantine. As per reports, he’s experiencing ‘moderate’ symptoms. Seifert will be taken to Chennai where he will be treated in the same private hospital as former Australian cricketer Michael Hussey, who also tested positive for the virus.

“It’s really unfortunate for Tim and we’ll do everything for him that we can from this end. Hopefully, he will be able to test negative, and be cleared and approved for discharge as soon as he’s well again,” New Zealand cricket chief executive David White was quoted as saying in Newshub.

“Since receiving the news, we’ve organised support for Tim and have also – via the players association – been in contact with his family to ensure they’re kept fully informed and updated on developments,” he added.

After Tim Seifert completes his quarantine and tests negative, he would be sent back to New Zealand. Upon arrival, he will have to serve another 14-day quarantine before uniting with his family members.

Meanwhile, Seifert is yet to make his debut for Kolkata Knight Riders after joining the franchise as a replacement. The wicket-keeper batsman had to warm the benches in the presence of Dinesh Karthik.  However, he has performed well for New Zealand especially in the T20 format.