Nepal and Zimbabwe have been readmitted as ICC members following the conclusion of the International Cricket Council (ICC) board meeting in Dubai on Monday (October 14).
On 18th July 2019, world cricket’s governing body had suspended Zimbabwe Cricket with immediate effect for failing to conduct free and democratic elections – a direct breach of the constitution, as the board found guilty of political interference from the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), a government-run enterprise in the country.
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The decision had meant that Zimbabwe will not receive funds from the ICC and their representative teams won’t be eligible to participate in global events.
“Zimbabwe and Nepal have been readmitted as ICC Members following the conclusion of the ICC Board meetings in Dubai today,” said ICC in a media release.
“Zimbabwe was readmitted by the ICC Board following a meeting with the ICC Chairman and Chief Executive, Zimbabwe Cricket Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani and Zimbabwe Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry and Gerald Mlotshwa, the Chairman of the Sports and Recreation Commission. They had been suspended in July 2019 following government interference in the running of the Board,” added ICC.
Shashank Manohar, ICC chairman, also thanked Zimbabwe Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry for her commitment to the reinstatement of Zimbabwe Cricket.
“I would like to thank the Zimbabwe Sports Minister for her commitment to the reinstatement of Zimbabwe Cricket. 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,” said Manohar.
“Zimbabwe will now be able to take up their place in the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup in January and the ICC Super League later in 2020,” ICC further stated.
Nepal has also been reinstated on a conditional basis following their three-year suspension for violation of the ICC regulations which prohibit government interference and require free and fair elections. Election of a 17-member Central Working Committee for the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) was held earlier this month which paved the way for the re-admission of Nepalese board.
“Given the progress made in Nepal, a transition plan will now be developed for the Cricket Association of Nepal to support full compliance with Associate Membership criteria, which will also involve controlled funding,” the ICC chairman added.
(With ICC inputs)
