T20: Scotland replace Zim

2008-08-20 18:09

Dubai - Zimbabwe Cricket on Wednesday confirmed its decision not to participate in the ICC World Twenty20 2009.

The decision, taken as a one-off, was reached during a meeting between ZC officials and ICC president David Morgan, vice-president Sharad Pawar and CEO Haroon Lorgat in Dubai on Wednesday.

ZC officials had previously indicated the country's willingness to step back from the ICC WT20 2009 during the ICC's annual conference week in Dubai in June/July, pending agreement by its Board.

ZC arrived at the decision after recognising the UK Government would be unlikely to issue visas for the team for the ICC WT20 2009, given it had already cancelled the bilateral series between England and Zimbabwe set to take place earlier in the year.

ICC President David Morgan said: "We are grateful to Zimbabwe Cricket for confirming the decision taken by its officials during annual conference week.

"This allows the ICC the opportunity to plan with certainty the ICC World Twenty20 2009, as well as giving Scotland, the side set to step up in Zimbabwe's place, plenty of preparation time ahead of the tournament."

The ZC delegation that met with ICC officials in Dubai on Wednesday was made up of ZC chairperson Peter Chingoka, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, ZC's vice-chairperson, and the chairof the legal and constitutional committee Wilson Manase.

- SAPA