After ICC has suspended Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) on Thursday (July 18), following the alleged political interference, the world board cited that the African board had violated its constitution. Thus, the decision has eventually cast doubt over Zimbabwe’s 2020 tour to India.
Zimbabwe are scheduled to play the three-match Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). The series will commence from January 5 in Guwahati. They were expected to play their second T20I at Indore on January 7 and in Pune on January 10 respectively.
However, the unanimous decision from the ICC had put Zimbabwe’s tour of India into jeopardy.
With uncertainty looming large, it would have been Zimbabwe first tour on Indian soil after 2002. Back then, the visitors played five-match ODI series apart from two-match Test series.
Earlier, ICC in its release had categorically maintained that Zimbabwean Cricket had breached the Article 2.4 (c) and (d) of board’s constitution. The charter has stressed on free and fair elections regarding any of its participating board.
In June this year, the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) of Zimbabwean governed had suspended the members of the board following government influence.
Moreover, ICC had also frozen funds for the Zimbabwe Cricket. During the annual conference, adding the board can’t partake into any of the ICC organised events.
Zimbabwe cricketers left unemployed:
Also, Zimbabwe is in doldrums, as their participation for 2020 T20 World Cup Qualifier had faced a significant jolt. Also, they’re highly unlikely going to feature in Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier (August).
However, Sports Minister and two-time Olympian Kristy Coventry took to her official Twitter handle to reiterate that there has been no interference from the government.
Following Zimbabwe Cricket’s suspension, all-rounder Solomon Mire had announced retirement from international cricket. Another all-rounder Sikandar Raza had posted an emotional tweet regarding the suspension of ZC.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Cricket had released a statement. It added ZC is ready to cooperate with the SRC and ICC. The release said that ZC is keen to earn back its status following a thorough audit.