International Cricket Council (ICC) has removed the suspensions of Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) and Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). Both have been now included in the ICC members list.
The ICC has announced these latest decisions on Monday (14th October) after the conclusion of ICC Board meetings in Dubai. While the ZC has returned to the Full Member, CAN has returned to the Associate Member.
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ICC suspended Zimbabwe Cricket in July 2019
Three months ago (July 2019), during the ICC Annual Conference in London, the ICC had suspended the Zimbabwe Cricket after the government had interfered to the run the national board.
After observing and understanding the present condition, the ICC has decided to revoke the suspension order. Before that decision, ZC Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani, Zimbabwe Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry and the Chairman of the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) chairman Gerald Mlotshwa had a meeting with the ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar and Chief Executive Manu Sawhney.
ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar stated in the icc-cricket.com, “I would like to thank the Zimbabwe sports minister for her commitment to the reinstatement of Zimbabwe Cricket. Her desire to work in support of Zimbabwe Cricket was clear and she has unconditionally complied with the conditions set down by the ICC board.”
ICC suspended Cricket Association of Nepal in April 2016
Meanwhile, the ICC suspended CAN in April 2016 for breaching the ICC regulations that prohibit government interference and provide free and fair elections. However, the ICC has now decided to lift this suspension too on a conditional basis.
Manohar said on this, “Given the progress made in Nepal, a transition plan will now be developed for the Cricket Association of Nepal to support full compliance with Associate Membership criteria, which will also involve controlled funding.”
The ZC and CAN now can participate in all the ICC events. Also, both teams are now eligible to receive the ICC funds. Due to the previous suspensions, the ICC halted their funds.
Zimbabwe youth team now can participate in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2019. This youth tournament will run from 17th January to 9th February 2020 in South Africa. After this suspension lift, Zimbabwe can also participate in the 2020–22 ICC Cricket World Cup Super League.
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However, Zimbabwe Women had missed out the 2019 ICC Women’s World T20 Qualifier due to the earlier suspension. Zimbabwe men also have no chance to return in the 2019 ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier.