Zimbabwe set to miss World Twenty20

Zimbabwe are set to pull out of next year's competition

Zimbabwe are set to withdraw from next year’s inaugural World Twenty20 tournament in England after negotiations with the International Cricket Council in Dubai.

The ICC have been discussing the future of the country’s cricket team at a board meeting after England and South Africa broke off cricketing relations last week.

With the future of the tournament likely to be thrown into doubt had Zimbabwe retained their intention to compete, this deal represents the best compromise as the event can still go ahead while Zimbabwe lose none of their financial backing as they retain full member status of the ICC.

“The Zimbabwe delegation has decided to recommend to its board that the team should withdraw from the ICC World Twenty20 2009 event.

“The delegation has undertaken to report back on the decision of its board to the ICC within one month.

“The delegation will report to its board that it will not suffer financially as a result of its non-participation in the ICC World Twenty20 2009.

“The Zimbabwe delegation has agreed to take this decision in the greater interest of world cricket and the ICC.

“This recommendation should be viewed as a one-off and will not be taken as a precedent.”

The ICC has also put in motion plans to conduct a review of the situation within Zimbabwe regarding the status of cricket in the country.

“Outgoing ICC president Ray Mali has recommended that a sub-committee be set up, chaired by Dr Julian Hunte (West Indies) and including another ICC board member Arjuna Ranatunga (Sri Lanka) and an official from the ICC.

“The role of this sub-committee will be to advise the ICC board on all matters relating to Zimbabwe cricket including its return to full participation in the international game.

“The specific terms of reference for the sub-committee will be finalised in due course.”