On Wednesday, Michael Gough, English umpire, was withdrawn from the ongoing T20 World Cup by the ICC after he breached the tournament’s bio bubble a few days ago.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.

The English umpire will no longer be officiating in the ongoing 2021 T20I World Cup after he was found to have breached the bio-security protocols. This is the first breach of the bio-bubble at the showpiece event. The ICC confirmed the breach and its decision to withdraw Michael Gough, while also stating that it recognizes the extended periods he has spent in bio-secure conditions over the past two years.

Michael Gough Won’t Be Appointed To Officiate Any Further Matches In 2021 T20I World Cups For Bio Bubble Breach

“…umpire Gough will not be appointed to any further matches during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 following a breach of the bio-security protocols,” the ICC said in a statement.

“The ICC recognizes the extended periods he has spent in bio-secure conditions over the past two years and will continue to support the wellbeing of all match officials operating in this environment,” it added.

Michael Gough was to officiate in last Sunday’s game between India and New Zealand in Dubai but was withdrawn following his breach and was replaced by South Africa’s Marais Erasmus. The former Durham batsman, the current umpire, is currently regarded as one of the best umpires in international cricket. He was being tested every alternate day during his isolation.

Michael Gough Finished Serving A Six-Day Suspension And Missed India-NZ Match Where Marais Erasmus Officiated

Michael Gough has just finished serving a six-day suspension, and though he was initially expected to return, the ICC said he would be pulled out keeping his “wellbeing” in mind. He had to be suspended from his duties during the tournament for a six-day period starting October 28 following “a breach of the bio-security protocols”.

The sanction from the ICC came after Michael Gough left his hotel without permission and went outside the tournament’s bio-bubble. As a result, he missed one game; as a result, the October 31 fixture between India and New Zealand in Dubai, when South African Marais Erasmus stood in his place.

Michael Gough had been slotted to officiate in two games during the warm-up phase prior to the tournament, two games in the first round and eight games during the Super 12s.