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Zimbabwe struggle to find anyone to play

Cricinfo staff

May 16, 2008

Zimbabwe Cricket is struggling to get some international cricket following the decision by the Indian board to indefinitely postpone its tour which was scheduled for June.

The Indians' decision came because of the mass of domestic and international cricket they have arranged. There was confusion when the postponement was announced with the Indian board claiming it was mutual but the Zimbabwe board seemingly unaware. Under ICC regulations, unless it was mutually agreed then the Indians would have been liable to pay compensation.

Zimbabwe's choices are limited as series against Australia, England and New Zealand are not on the agenda and the international calendar makes it hard to arrange games. The civil unrest inside Zimbabwe, resulting from the disputed presidential elections, also makes it hard to persuade sides to tour.

Kenya have been pleading for a series in Nairobi but insiders say that Zimbabwe are not keen on taking them on away. In 2006, Zimbabwe drew 2-2 at home with Kenya and there is a fear that should they lose in a return series then it would seriously harm their standing and claim to be a top-ten country. However, Zimbabwe have to be seen to be playing and that might lead to a series in Kenya sooner rather than later, with early July, before the Kenyans leave for their six-week European tour, a real possibility.

Aside from them, West Indies visited last year and are not free at home until next year, and while Bangladesh are free, the sides have met several times recently. South Africa have only managed to squeeze Kenya in for two ODIs at the end of October and so they are not in any position to offer games soon.

Sri Lanka and Pakistan both have gaps in their schedules, but Zimbabwe were thrashed 5-0 in Pakistan in January, leaving Sri Lanka the best bet.

© Cricinfo

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