Zimbabwe set to miss World Twenty20

2:22pm Friday 4th July 2008

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 to ICC Annual Conference week is aware of the decision of the British government not to allow its bilateral series in England in 2009 to go ahead," said a statement from the ICC.

"Zimbabwe Cricket has also taken note that the British government is likely to refuse to grant visas for the Zimbabwe cricket team to take part in the ICC World Twenty20 2009.

"Therefore, the Zimbabwe delegation has decided to recommend to its board that the team should withdraw from that 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."

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