from WELLINGTON TONI in Harare, Zimbabwe
HARARE, (CAJ News) – THE One Day International (ODI) series between Australia and Zimbabwe is the latest sporting event to be postponed following the global outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Cricket Australia (CA) and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) agreed to postpone the series that was scheduled for August.
“The boards of both cricket bodies have come to the mutual conclusion due to a combination of factors, including the short length of the series, the significant bio-security measures that would need to be implemented prior to August, and concern for the health and safety of players, match officials, and volunteers,” ZC media and communications manager, Darlington Majonga, said on Wednesday (today).
Nick Hockley, the interim Cricket Australia CEO, said: “While we are disappointed to postpone the series, CA and ZC agree that in the best interest of players, match officials, volunteers as well as our fans, that this is the most practical and sensible decision.
“We are committed to working with Zimbabwe Cricket on alternative dates to reschedule,” Hockley said.
The Zimbabweans had recently gone into camp following COVID-19 tests conducted on 33 players across the country. All tests returned negative.
ZC, which initially looked forward hosting Afghanistan in July failed to do so due to debilitating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw the Zimbabwean government annul the match.
Givemore Makoni, Acting Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director, said they were excited at the prospects of facing the Aussies but, given the circumstances, deferring the tour was the only option.
“We are, however, looking forward to the rescheduling of the series as soon as practically possible,” Makoni said.
– CAJ News