Another blow for Zimbabwe Cricket

ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) has suffered another massive blow in a bid to return to competitive cricket post-COVID-19 lockdown following the postponement of the Australia tour as a result of the pandemic.

The country had put together a busy post-lockdown schedule that included series engagements with Australia, India and Afghanistan between July and August.

India cancelled the proposed three-match oneday international (ODI) series early last month due to the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and now the novel virus has affected the country’s first visit to Australia in over a decade-anda-half.

Another winter engagement with Ireland was also cancelled.

However, ZC feels that the two parties had no option, but to postpone the tour.

“We were excited about facing Australia, but given the circumstances, deferring the tour was the only option. We are, however, looking forward to the rescheduling of the series as soon as practically possible,” ZC acting managing director Givemore Makoni said.

The Australia series was initially pencilled in for August 9–15 and the new dates are yet to be arrived at.

In a statement, Cricket Australia (CA) interim chief executive Nick Hockley said a combination of factors including the short length of the series and the significant bio-security measures that would need to be implemented, contributed to the decision to postpone.

Concern for the health and safety of players, match officials and volunteers was a major factor.

“While we are disappointed to postpone the series, CA and Zimbabwe Cricket agree that in the best interest of players, match officials, volunteers as well as our fans, this is the most practical and sensible decision,” Hockley said

“We are committed to working with Zimbabwe Cricket on alternative dates to reschedule,” he added.

Zimbabwe is now sweating on the remaining home series against Afghanistan that has been lined up for July-August, which is in fact hanging in the balance as well.

If the Afghanistan series is cancelled, the Zimbabwe cricket team may have to wait a little longer for a post-COVID-19 lockdown competitive match.

Classified as a low-risk sport code, cricket was given the go-ahead to resume activities over a month ago by the Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation ministry.

The Zimbabwe cricket team has been in camp for almost three weeks in preparation for what was supposed to be a busy two months of cricket.

A total of 37 players, in seven different groups, across the country have been training with the help of an inflated technical team which includes provincial coaches.

According to the Futures programme, Zimbabwe is also scheduled to tour Sri Lanka and Pakistan before the end of the year.