Bangladesh series in question as Zimbabwe suspends all sporting events

After the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc across the world, the countries gradually started with their bilateral series and schedule. In the same light, Bangladesh was set to travel Zimbabwe for a series comprising of one Test, three T20Is, and as many T20Is. However, as per the latest reports, Zimbabwe Cricket received a huge blow when Zimbabwe’s Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) decided to put an end to all the sporting activities.

The SRC has put the decision in action on June 13 owing to the COVID-19 surge in the country. After the latest decision, the Bangladesh series stands in dilemma. In the latest statement that was put out in public by SRC, all the public events of several disciplines have been suspended.

“The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) hereby notifies members of the public that pursuant to the statement by the Honourable Vice President of Zimbabwe C.G.D.N Chiwenga, who is also the Minister of Health and Child Care, setting out additional measures to curb a renewed surge in Covid-19 infection rates, ALL sporting activities and events are hereby suspended with effect from Monday, 14th June 2021 until further notice. All national sports associations, clubs, gyms, and related stakeholders should abide by this suspension without exception,” stated Zimbabwe’s Sports and Recreation Commission in a statement.

BCB and Zimbabwe Cricket CEO optimistic for the series

As the ban has come into force, it will also hinder the 2^nd four-day cricket match between the A-side of South Africa and the home team which had already commenced on June 13 at Harare Sports Club. The series was organized to prepare the home side for facing Bangladesh next month.  However, BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhary stated that he has had a word with the CEO of ZC and they are quite optimistic about the same series.

“Their government has banned all sports due to corona outbreak. The Zimbabwe Cricket Board has informed us that they are in talks with the government to continue cricket. I spoke to their CEO this morning. He said they were in talks with the government to roll out the series and were optimistic. They are confident with the series,” stated Nizamuddin Chowdhary.