Zimbabwe pull out of T20 World Cup, retains ICC membership

Fri, Jul 4 01:44 PM

Dubai, Jul 4 (PTI) Zimbabwe Cricket Union has pulled out of the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup slated in England to avoid their suspension as a full member of the International Cricket Council. "Zimbabwe has decided to pull out of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup in the interest of the game," sources said today.

ZCU's decision came before the International Cricket Council's Executive Committee could break the deadlock over its suspension at an extended meeting here today. It was also learnt that India persuaded Zimbabwe for the move and save its membership at a late-night meeting yesterday.

The England and Wales Cricket Board's threat to boycott the T20 World Cup if Zimbabwe were a part of it as the British Government has taken a stance against the Zimbabwe government in the wake of political unrest there and also made it clear that their players would not be issued visas for the event. Besides, Cricket South Africa has also canceled its bilateral agreement with the ZCU because of deteriorating political situation in Zimbabwe.

PTI.

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