Relief for Zimbabwe Cricket as ICC confirms fund release

ZC had earlier requested the game's governing body to intervene and help them.

Zimbabwe were missing their key players during the recently concluded limited overs series at home. (Getty)

Zimbabwe Cricket fraternity received a good news on Saturday, July 28, as the International Cricket Council(ICC) has officially confirmed the release of funds by the game's governing body to settle dues to the players and support staff members.

Earlier, Zimbabwe Cricket(ZC) had said that they were in no position to play the players and their staff, explaining their ignorance about the stringent measures adopted by the world body as part of controlled spending. ZC had added that the ICC and the Zimbabwe government had thrown them a lifeline and that the governing body was working with them on an interim arrangement to hasten the payment process.

Via an official press release, ZC confirmed ICC that the ICC has officially taken action about the request that the board made.

The statement reads "The ICC has confirmed the release of funds for the payment of monies owed to current staff and players, including the players’ match fees. The payment is part of an initial payment that forms part of a controlled funding payment plan, the full details of which are still to be completed"

It further added, “ZC and the ICC are working together to ensure ZC meets the conditions of the ICC-controlled spending process so that the monthly cash distributions from the ICC can be finalised. Payment plan proposals will be discussed and communicated to all outstanding creditors once this process has been concluded. This brings welcome relief to the current staff and players and is the first step in the recovery process of cricket in Zimbabwe to its former health and strength.”

The pay dispute meant that Zimbabwe were missing the services of the key players - Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza, Graeme Cremer, Sean Williams and Craig Ervine - for the recently concluded home limited overs series against Australia and Pakistan. It is hoped, now with ICC's intervening act, things will get better.

(Inputs from Wisden India)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 29 Jul, 2018

    Share Via