After suspending Zimbabwe, ICC bars women cricketers, coach from travelling to England

Days after suspending Zimbabwe team from international cricket on grounds of political interference in its cricketing affairs, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has stopped four players and a coach from the country from travelling to England. They were selected for the Women’s Global Development Squad. The four players include captain of Zimbabwe women’s team Mary-Anne Musonda as well.

Before barring the players on Monday, the ICC had last week took the extreme step of suspending Zimbabwe on grounds of political interference in its cricket. The international cricketing-governing body said such interference amounted to a violation of its constitution and as a result of the suspension, the ICC was to freeze funds for the African nation besides disallowing its teams to take part in its events.

Zimbabwe players can’t take part in the Women’s Global Development Squad

“Unfortunately this also extends to their participation in the Women’s Global Development Squad program, and so it is with great regret that I write to inform you that Adam Chifo as Head Coach and the four Zimbabwe players will no longer be able to take part in the UK edition of the tour next week,” ESPNcricinfo quoted ICC Women’s Cricket Manager Holly Colvin as saying.

Besides Musonda, the three other women players who faced the bar are Aneshu Mushangwe, Tameen Granger and Sharne Mayers besides coach Adam. The suspension has put in jeopardy Zimbabwe’s participation in the qualifiers for the next World T20 tournaments – both for men and women.

In June, Zimbabwe’s government agency Sports and Recreation Commission had suspended the elected officials of Zimbabwe Cricket – the country’s cricket board – and it led to a wide repercussion. Zimbabwe also cancelled their scheduled T20I tri-series in Bangladesh in September that also featured Afghanistan.

The decision left the cricketers of the African cricketing nation devastated. Sikandar Raza tweeted saying the hopelessness that had engulfed Zimbabwe’s cricketers and their families as a result. Both he and Solomon Mire took retirement after the ICC’s decision was confirmed.

Zimbabwe Cricket has taken a downhill dive because of their political instability and players’ defection over the years. They also failed to qualify for the cricket World Cup this year after losing in the qualifiers at their home.