LOCAL cricket heaved a huge sigh of relief yesterday after the International Cricket Council (ICC) reinstated Zimbabwe as a full member of the global cricket family, ending its three-month banishment.

The ICC said Zimbabwe had complied with all conditions for reinstatement, which included the reversal of the decision by the Sports Commission to suspend the ZC board.

ICC chairman Shashank Manohar was particularly impressed by the commitment by Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister Kirsty Coventry.
She led a delegation that also included ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani, and SRC chairman Gerald Mlotshwa.

“I would like to thank the Zimbabwe Sports Minister for her commitment to the reinstatement of Zimbabwe Cricket,’’ Manohar said.

“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.’’

Zimbabwe was suspended in July following boardroom bickering which resulted in the suspension of the ZC board by the Sports Commission on the back of a number of allegations.
The ICC ruled that the SRC were in breach of their statutes regarding “government interference” and voted unanimously to suspend Zimbabwe until the decision was reversed.

Zimbabwe national teams, players and officials were barred from taking part in all ICC sanctioned events.
Funding was also stopped.

Players, officials and staff have not received salaries since June while both men and women senior national teams were kicked out of the 2020 T20 World Cup qualifiers.State media