ICC reinstates Zimbabwe, Nepal as members of apex body
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday reinstated Zimbabwe and Nepal as members of the apex body. The decision was taken in ICC’s October Board meeting held in Dubai.
Welcome back @ZimCricketv! ? pic.twitter.com/N3iqRuUqe7
— ICC (@ICC) October 14, 2019
Sanction lifted in three months
Zimbabwe, who were suspended by the ICC in July this year, will now be able to participate in the men’s U-19 Cricket World Cup followed by the ICC Super League in 2020. However, the lifting of the ban comes a little too late for their participation in the World T20 qualifiers. Among the attendees of the meeting were ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar, Zimbabwe Cricket Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani, Zimbabwe Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry and Gerald Mlotshwa, the Chairman of the Sports and Recreation Commission.
“I would like to thank the Zimbabwe Sports Minister for her commitment to the reinstatement of Zimbabwe Cricket. Her desire to work in support of Zimbabwe Cricket was clear. She has unconditionally complied with the conditions set down by the ICC Board.”
Funding to Zimbabwe Cricket will continue to be on a controlled basis as part of a collective effort behind getting the game in Zimbabwe back on an even keel,” said ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar.
ICC satisfied with ZC compliance
Post the meeting, it was decided that Zimbabwe Cricket had successfully complied with ICC’s conditions put forth three months ago. The African nation was banned for government interference in the administration of its cricket body, thereby violating Article 2.4 (c) and (d) of the ICC Constitution.
“We are elated to get our membership restored. This marks the beginning of a new, exciting chapter for our cricket, with ZC’s focus now fully back on ensuring our game is thriving, sustainable and financially stable,” ZC Chairman Mukuhlani said.
“This would not have been possible without the steadfast support of the ICC and our colleagues from other member boards. We are very grateful to them,” he added.
Nepal reinstated conditionally
Meanwhile, the Nepal Men’s cricket team has also been reinstated on a conditional basis. Earlier this month, the Central Working Committee conducted an election under the supervision of an Independent Panel. This, in turn, ensured the readmission of Nepal.
Nepal was handed a suspension back in 2016 for flouting the ICC regulations that “prohibit government interference and require fair elections.” Since the suspension, ICC was working in close quarters with the Nepal Advisory Group (NAG) that is made of representatives of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), Nepal’s Government and the larger cricketing community to draft a brand new constitution.
“Given the progress made in Nepal, a transition plan will now be developed for the Cricket Association of Nepal to support full compliance with Associate Membership criteria, which will also involve controlled funding,” Manohar said.
ICC’s Board also confirmed that they will be allocating a funding amount of $30.5 million for Associate Members in the upcoming year – a 12% rise from 2019. The amount will be used for the development of the game across 92 nations.
