India's AFC Women's Asian Cup group A game against Chinese Taipei was called off on Sunday before kickoff after as many as 12 players from the home team tested positive for Covid-19 and two were laid low by injuries.

"Following several positive cases of COVID-19, India failed to name the required minimum of 13 players for the Group A match against Chinese Taipei," the AFC stated.

The Group A match not taking place means the hosts' chances of qualifying for the quarterfinals of the 12-nation premier continental showpiece are bleak. The match was to take place at the DY Patil Stadium. India were held to a goalless draw by Iran in their tournament-opener and there were a couple of COVID cases in the team even before that game.

🚨OFFICIAL🚨

The #WAC2022 match between Chinese Taipei and 🇮🇳 India will not be played today due to India's inability to field a minimum of 13 players!https://t.co/sEBQ6hQ5P2

— #WAC2022 (@afcasiancup) January 23, 2022

Indian Women's Football Team were unable to register the required minimum of 13 players for their Group A match against Chinese Taipei in the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 and were therefore unable to participate in the match.

We are as disappointed as probably the entire nation would be right now with this unwarranted situation. However, the players' health and well-being are of paramount importance to us, and it cannot be compromised under any circumstances.@IndianFootball @afcasiancup #WAC2022

— Praful Patel (@praful_patel) January 23, 2022

AIFF President Mr. Praful Patel in his statement said: “We are as disappointed as probably the entire nation would be right now with this unwarranted situation. However, the players' health and well-being are of paramount importance to us, and it cannot be compromised under any circumstances. I wish all the infected players and team officials a swift and full recovery. They will be well supported by the AIFF and AFC.”