Cricket Ireland on Thursday (July 22) postponed Zimbabwe’s limited-overs tour of Ireland due to the COVID-19 enforced traveling restrictions in Northern Ireland.
Announcing the postponement of the white-ball series, Cricket Ireland said they have rescheduled the Zimbabwe tour and will announce the new dates soon.
Ireland was set to host Zimbabwe in a three-match ODI series starting on August 6 in Belfast, Northern Ireland followed by second and final ODI on August 8 and 11 respectively before moving to Magheramason, Northern Ireland for the five-match T20I series beginning on August 15.
But Zimbabwe is on the UK’s red list due to the rising COVID-19 cases – which means only British and Ireland nationals or British residents are only allowed to enter from red list countries, forcing CI to reschedule the home series.
Notably, Zimbabwe must serve a 14-day mandatory hotel quarantine on arrival in Ireland.
CI Chief Executive Warren Deutrom stated: “Following the latest advice for the conditions around which scheduled matches may proceed in Northern Ireland - most notably the stipulations of health authorities around quarantining requirements of the incoming Zimbabwean squad - Cricket Ireland has today confirmed that the Zimbabwe Men's tour to Ireland will need to be rescheduled.”
Deutrom continued, “We recognize that with Zimbabwe being on the UK Red List, but a Category 2 country in the Republic of Ireland classification, approval for the series was always conditional upon the evolving advice of the government. It is now anticipated that the series will be held in August-September 2021, but that some venue changes may be required to accommodate the latest advice received.
These changes may have a number of knock-on effects with the broader playing schedule as well, and the outcome of these changes will be communicated in due course.”
He concluded, “We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of Zimbabwe Cricket Board and all involved as we work through these latest challenges, and will provide updates as soon as possible.”
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
