The ICC withdrew Michael Gough from the Super 12 clash between New Zealand and India on 31 October after he had breached biosecurity protocols. Cricket’s ruling body confirmed that Gough — a member of the elite panel of the ICC umpires — would not oversee any more games at the ICC global event.
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Exact Nature of Breach Not Confirmed by ICC
The ICC is reported to have found infringements of coronavirus protocols by Gough, who represented Durham as an opening batter from 1998 to 2003. The exact nature of the violation was not immediately confirmed by the ICC. Amid the ongoing pandemic, the regulatory body of the game has sought to safeguard the World Cup event by mandating that team staff, players, broadcasters, and officials enter into biosecure ‘bubble’ environments.
First Instance of Bio-Bubble Breach at ICC World Cup Event
This was the first known instance of a breach of the bio-bubble at the World Cup event. While the breach was confirmed by the ICC which decided to stand Gough down on 3 November, cricket’s ruling body stated that it recognised the extended periods Gough had had to spend in bio-bubbles over the last couple of years. The ICC added that the well-being of every match official working in this environment was its primary concern.
Media Statement by ICC
In its media release, the ICC said,
Gough Reported to Have Left Hotel to Meet Friends
Cric-life has learned that Gough had gone out of the hotel he was housed in to meet friends. His action was a violation of the strict biosecurity protocols that the ICC has imposed on umpires and other officials. Consequently, the ICC forced Gough into isolation for a six-day period and replaced the 41-year-old in his scheduled assignments in the week that followed.
Gough Replaced by Erasmus
South African umpire Marais Erasmus replaced Gough in the Super 12 game between New Zealand and India on 31 October, which was originally meant to be officiated by the English umpire. Gough was next due to officiate as television umpire in the Super 12 clash between West Indies and Sri Lanka on 4 November before officiating as an on-field umpire in Afghanistan’s clash against New Zealand on 7 November.