ICC Suspends Zimbabwe Cricket With Immediate Effect

The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Thursday (July 17), suspended Zimbabwe Cricket with immediate effect. The governing body of the game took the decision after their annual meeting in London. ICC had to take the decision because of Zimbabwe Cricket’s failure to fulfil their obligation to provide a process for free and democratic elections. The cricket body also failed to prevent government interference in its administration.

Last month, the Zimbabwean government’s sports and recreation commission suspended the entire cricket board and appointed an interim committee. It was against the ICC rules which prohibits political interference in its members.

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The ICC also said that it will suspend the funding to Zimbabwe and would not allow the team from the country to participate in ICC events. The decision has not put Zimbabwe’s participation in October’s Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in jeopardy.

“We do not take the decision to suspend a Member lightly, but we must keep our sport free from political interference,” said ICC chairman Shashank Manohar. “What has happened in Zimbabwe is a serious breach of the ICC Constitution and we cannot allow it to continue unchecked. The ICC wants cricket to continue in Zimbabwe in accordance with the ICC Constitution.”

Zimbabwe are also having a tough time on the field. They recently lost the three-match ODI series against Ireland. They have been weakened by the absence of some big names who have decided not to play for Zimbabwe due to the financial issue.

Last year, 22-year old pacer Blessing Muzarabani quit his international career to pursue his cricket in England and joined Northamptonshire. On the other hand, former skipper Graeme Cremer has put his career on hold indefinitely to move to Dubai with his family.

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