Afghanistan cricketer and Brisbane Heat import Mujeeb Ur Rahman has been taken to a Queensland hospital after testing positive for COVID-19.
The 19-year-old spinner, the world's No 2 ranked Twenty20 international bowler, was in hotel quarantine on the Gold Coast after arriving in Australia last week.
Mujeeb reported symptoms of the illness and has since been placed in the care of Queensland Health to complete his recovery.
He had previously been playing in the Indian Premier League.
The news comes a week out from the Heat's season opener against the Melbourne Stars in Canberra and means Mujeeb will almost certainly miss Brisbane's two matches in Australia's capital.
Queensland Cricket chief executive Terry Svenson said Mujeeb's welfare was the primary concern.
"We will work with the relevant authorities to ensure the integrity of the competition and wellbeing of the player are suitably addressed," Svenson said.
"He is a young man far from home and we will ensure he is looked after."
https://twitter.com/HeatBBL/status/1334772818974687234?s=20
Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia's Head of Big Bash Leagues, also weighed in.
"The health and safety of our players, staff and the wider community is our top priority this season," Dobson said.
"Both Mujeeb and the Brisbane Heat have our full support and we will ensure all Queensland Government protocols continue to be followed as he recovers."
Mujeeb recently expressed his excitement at returning to Brisbane with an Instagram post.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CIF85Y2FZxn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
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