ICC board meeting decides to reinstate Zimbabwe, Nepal as ICC members

Zimbabwe were suspended from the ICC in July this year after violating provisions of Article 2.4 (c) and (d) of the ICC Constitution "which imposes an obligation on Members to provide a process for free and democratic elections and to ensure that there is no government interference in its governance and / or administration for cricket respectively." The subsequent action was also taken as the governing body had also stated that all ICC funding to ZC would be frozen and representative teams from Zimbabwe won't be able to participate in any ICC events.

Yesterday's board meeting has been attended by ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar, Zimbabwe Cricket Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani, Zimbabwe Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry and Gerald Mlotshwa, the Chairman of the Sports and Recreation Commission, in which Manohar decided to award the ICC membership. 

"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. Funding to Zimbabwe Cricket will continue to be on a controlled basis as part of a collective effort behind getting the game in Zimbabwe back on an even keel," Manohar said, reported Cricbuzz.

ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said, "We are elated to get our membership restored and this marks the beginning of a new, exciting chapter for our cricket, with ZC's focus now fully back on ensuring our game is thriving, sustainable and financially stable. This would not have been possible without the steadfast support of the ICC and our colleagues from other member boards and we are very grateful to them."

Apart from Zimbabwe, Nepal - which was suspended in 2016 for violating the ICC regulations, which "prohibit government interference and require fair elections" - were also readmitted on a conditional basis. In October this year, the Central Working Committee's election was conducted with an Independent Panel supervising it under the ambit of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) constitution, which in turn ensured Nepal's readmission into the ICC member board.

"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," Manohar said.