English umpire Michael Gough was on Wednesday withdrawn from the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after he breached the tournament’s bio bubble a few days ago. The 41-year-old was placed in six day isolation after he left his hotel without permission on Friday last week to meet with people outside the tournament's bubble. This is the first breach of the bio-bubble at the showpiece event.
The ICC confirmed the breach and its decision to stand Gough down on Wednesday, while also stating that it recognises the extended periods he has spent in bio-secure conditions over the past two years. The ICC also vowed to continue to support the wellbeing of all match officials operating in this environment. He was due to officiate in India’s match against New Zealand which took place on October 31 but due to his breach, he was removed from the panel and South Africa’s Marais Erasmus replaced him. A former Durham batsman, Gough is regarded as one of the best umpires in international cricket currently.
