Zimbabwe face potential ICC ban due to political intrusion
The International Cricket Council conference set to happen in two weeks’ time will decide the fate of Zimbabwe Cricket, with the country facing a potential ban over political meddling. A ban would mean that the Zimbabwe Cricket Board would receive no money for the duration of the ban.
Zimbabwe Cricket will learn their fate at the International Cricket Council conference in two weeks’ time, as they could be banned in the very same conference because of political interference in the board, according to a report by Telegraph.Â
The Zimbabwean government’s sports and recreation commission suspended the entire cricket board and appointed an interim committee in June, due to breaching ICC rules which prohibit political interference in its members. Zimbabwe Cricket is still clueless as to who will represent the board at the ICC conference, scheduled to take place at London, post the World Cup.Â
Zimbabwe, a full member of ICC, receieve £9 million a year, but have been tormented by financial problems of late, with the Women's team pulling out of a tour to Ireland stating lack of finances as the reason. Gerald Mlotshwa, the chairman of the sports and recreation commission, has also complained of the staff not returning to work since the board of Zimbabwe Cricket was suspended.
A suspension to Zimbabwe Cricket would mean that the appearance of both the Men's and Women's Cricket team for the 2020 T20 World Cup qualifiers which are scheduled to happen later this year, would be under jeopardy. However, it is most likely for their programme of fixtures to continue, in order to not let the players suffer the wrath of administrative problems.Â
Despite a suspension meaning that the Zimbabwe Cricket Board would recieve no money for the duration of the ban, their cricket would most likely continue to be funded by the ICC.
The Zimbabwe Men's team are currently playing a bilateral ODI series against Ireland, which they trial 2-0. The team also played bilateral ODI series against the Netherlands in June, which they subsequently lost 2-0. Â