ICC states October 8 as deadline for Zimbabwe to reinstate its cricketing board

Less than a week after the ICC board unanimously decided to suspend Zimbabwe Cricket from the council, world cricket’s governing body has sent the African country an ultimatum to sort things out before further action is taken.

The suspension was imposed after it was found that the Sports and Recreation Committee, a government body, had been meddling with the running of the country’s cricketing council. The ICC stated that ZC had breached Article 2.4(c) and (d) of its constitution, which reads that it is every member’s obligation to have a process for free and democratic elections and working of its cricketing body.

Currently, Zimbabwe cannot participate in any ICC sanctioned cricketing event nor will it receive its share in the ICC revenue. With the ICC set to convene a meeting in October 12, it is highly unlikely Zimbabwe will be participating in next year’s World T20 competitions. The qualifiers for the men’s event is scheduled for September-October in Dubai, while the women’s qualifiers will take place in Scotland from August to September.

"Should you wish the ICC to reconsider your suspension, you are required to take all relevant steps to ensure that the Board of Zimbabwe Cricket elected on 14 June 2019 is unconditionally reinstated forthwith and, in any event, no later than 8 October 2019 so that the ICC Board can review the matter when it convenes on 12 October 2019 for its next meeting,” the ICC statement read according to Cricbuzz.

“You are also required to provide satisfactory evidence to ensure that the Zimbabwe Cricket will administer its affairs free of external interference and influence. Should the ICC not receive a satisfactory response from you on the above terms, within the stipulated time-frame, the ICC reserves its right to take such further action as it deems appropriate including to proceed by way of termination of your membership as provided for in the Articles of Association," it added.

The minnows also had to pull out of an upcoming tri-series with Bangladesh and Afghanistan, while stating that it would not be able to host domestic competitions due to freezing of funds. The limited over series scheduled against India for January next year also looks to be in serious doubt.