International Cricket Council (ICC) the global governing body of cricket on Thursday took the decision to suspend the entire cricket team of Zimbabwe with immediate effects. The decision was taken during the annual conference of ICC in London.
The International Cricket Council released a statement on Thursday stating that every member has failed to prevent government intervention in the administration of sport in the country.
ICC Board unanimously decided that the Full Member had failed to fulfil their obligation to provide a process for free and democratic elections and to ensure that there is no government interference in its administration for cricket.
Zimbabwe Cricket team will no longer receive the funding from ICC and they won’t be even allowed to participate in the events hosted by ICC. Following the suspension of the cricket board participation of Zimbabwe in the T20 Men’s World Cup starting from October 2019 is in doubt.
ICC chairman Shashank Manohar said, we do not take the decision to suspend a Member lightly, but we must keep our sport free from political interference.
Shashank Manohar further added, what has happened in Zimbabwe is a serious breach of the ICC Constitution and we cannot allow it to continue unchecked. The ICC wants cricket to continue in Zimbabwe in accordance with the ICC Constitution.
Earlier the Croatia Cricket Federation and the Zambia Cricket Union were also suspended for non- acquiescence with ICC Membership criteria.
