UAE and Ireland hoping for action on Monday after second ODI called off again due to COVID-19

The second ODI, scheduled for January 16, has been suspended but the Emirates Cricket Board have reported no new positive cases within the UAE squad

The UAE and Ireland are hopeful of staging an ODI on Monday (January 18) after the Emirates Cricket Board confirmed there are no new cases of COVID-19 within the squad.

The two sides were scheduled to play their re-arranged second ODI on Saturday (January 16) but have suspended the fixture in order to comply with UAE public health directives.

Seven players from the UAE squad have returned positive COVID-19 tests since the two sides entered the bio-bubble earlier in January, forcing the four-match series to be plagued by postponements.

The UAE recorded a six-wicket victory in the only match to have been completed so far, but both the Emirates Cricket Board and Cricket Ireland are confident of playing on Monday.

In a statement, the Emirates Cricket Board said: "Emirates Cricket Board confirms that tomorrow’s match in the Sky247.net Abu Dhabi ODI Series 2021 against Ireland has been suspended. Discussions are underway with all parties regarding a final ODI match between the UAE and Ireland being played early in the coming week."

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Meanwhile, Richard Holdsworth, high performance director for Cricket Ireland, said: "Frustratingly, the wait goes on to resume competitive action, however, we fully accept the rationale for the government health directive, and the health and safety of players and support staff will remain Cricket Ireland’s top priority.

"With the Afghanistan series due to start next Thursday, the players and coaches are keen to get at least another competitive fixture in against the UAE prior to that, so we are hoping that a continued clean bill of health in both camps will allow us to play on Monday. The players will head out for a centre-wicket practice tomorrow.

"We share the frustrations of fans who were hoping to see a great series with our hosts, but we acknowledge the work of the Emirates Cricket Board in trying to recover what we can of the series given difficult circumstances. We will keep fans updated as circumstances evolve."