ZC puts all cricket activities on hold ahead of Bangladesh’s tour

Following a directive to suspend all sporting activities in the country as part of the latest COVID-19 lockdown restrictions imposed by the Government with effect from today, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has temporarily put on hold all cricket activities including the four-day match between Zimbabwe A and South Africa A which started on Sunday.

Bangladesh national cricket team are scheduled to fly to Zimbabwe on June 29 for a full series with one Test on July 7 followed by three ODIs and as many T20Is. According to the initial schedule, Bangladesh are to play a two-day practice game at Bulawayo on July 3.

It remains to be seen how long the restrictions will be in place and whether it will jeopardize the series against Bangladesh with the Tigers already at risk of going into the series without a practice game.

ZC has, however, lodged an urgent appeal to the Government, through the Sports and Recreation Commission, for permission to complete the ongoing four-day international match as well as to continue with preparations for other upcoming international tours that we had already committed to, a press release from ZC said.

The Zimbabwe cricket board looking to tap from the experience they had recently when they successfully played domestic and international matches in secure bubbles.

Having successfully hosted international and domestic tournaments at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic under the bio-secure environment – with the matches being played behind closed doors with no spectators allowed in the stadia and with all those directly involved undergoing several tests for the coronavirus and staying in secluded accommodation facilities – we believe we are well-equipped and experienced enough to safely resume with our cricket activities.