Cash-strapped Zimbabwe Cricket approaches ICC for loan

Pakistan is scheduled to play two Tests, five ODIs and two T20 matches in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe players | AFP

Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) has approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) for a loan to get the Cricket Board out of financial crisis, which means Pakistan’s Zimbabwe tour is in jeopardy.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman –Najam Sethi told the Dawn newspaper, “They have asked us to wait until April for the final decision on the tour as they are expecting support from the ICC.”

The PCB chief went to further reveal that the Board would look for alternate options if Zimbabwe Cricket fails to host Pakistan in August, but it would not host the series at home as it was not cost-effective.

Meanwhile, it is learned that the Zimbabwe Cricket is also trying to convince Cricket Australia to take part in a triangular one-day cup with Pakistan in August.

For some time, Zimbabwe Cricket is facing financial problems and insiders say that the change in the political scenario of the country has worsened things for the board and the management. Even though, the Zimbabwean players and office staff revolted over not paying salaries and other allowances in-time by the Board last year.

As far as cricket in Pakistan is concerned, they recently topped the T20I rankings after winning a three-match T20I series against New Zealand by a 2-1 margin. Also with the PSL slated to start in the country from February 22, the entire country is busy with the preparations of the tournament.

In August 2018, Pakistan is scheduled to play two Tests, five ODIs and two T20 matches in Zimbabwe.

 

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 20 Feb, 2018

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