The limited-overs series between England and Pakistan were dealt with a major blow on Tuesday. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that seven-member, including support staff from the England squad, has tested positive for Covid-19. The whole squad is currently in isolation.

Indian Commentator Harsha Bhogle expressed his concern through a tweet. He tweeted:

“It doesn’t look like it is going anywhere. The Chinese virus has now infiltrated the England cricket team. The bubbles will get more stringent. I guess there is no other option.”

The netizens were unhappy with the tweet as Harsha Bhogle referred to the virus as a “Chinese virus”.

It doesn't look like it is going anywhere. The Chinese virus has now infiltrated the England cricket team. The bubbles will get more stringent. I guess there is no other option

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 6, 2021

The netizens pointed out to Harsha Bhogle that the virus that contracted the England players is an “Indian variant”.

Here are some of the reactions:

It is an Inidan variant which is now referred as Delta

— Vaquas Alvi (@VaquasAlvi_) July 6, 2021

https://twitter.com/intoxic81/status/1412335519560658948?s=20

Very unlike Harsha. Absolutely no need politicize the virus. We wouldn't like the Delta variant being called the Indian variant.

— Sanket (@sankulyaa) July 6, 2021

Bhogle also explained his previous tweet, He said, “I noticed the use of the South African variant, the Brazil variant, and the Indian variant. I guess it is the norm to refer to something by the country of origin.”

I noticed the use of the South African variant, the Brazil variant and the Indian variant. I guess it is the norm to refer to something by the country of origin. https://t.co/GHb4bbmaBX

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 6, 2021

While some also lauded Harsha Bhogle’s tweet.

Wow, Harsha is not being diplomatic here. Calling spade a spade should be the norm in cricket commentary as well.

— Abhisek (@abhi_ab93) July 6, 2021

https://twitter.com/rohitrajoffici5/status/1412334165119410177?s=20

England announce a new 18-member squad

The England and Wales cricket board announced a new 18-member squad to play the limited-overs international series against Pakistan. Ben Stokes, who is returning after a finger injury will lead the squad. The team features nine uncapped players, however, the experienced Alex Hales has been left out.

The series begins on July 8, with the first ODI at Cardiff. London and Birmingham will host the other two ODIs.

England’s squad for three One day internationals against Pakistan: Ben Stokes (C), Jake Ball, Danny Briggs, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Lewis Gregory, Tom Helm, Will Jacks, Dan Lawrence, Saqib Mahmood, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Matt Parkinson, David Payne, Phil Salt, John Simpson, James Vince.

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