ICC suspends Zimbabwe Cricket with immediate effects

New Delhi : The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday suspended Zimbabwe cricket with immediate effect, saying that the full members have failed to prevent government intervention in the administration of sport in the country.

"The ICC Board unanimously decided that the Full Member had failed to fulfil their obligation to provide a process for free and democratic elections and to ensure that there is no government interference in its administration for cricket," an ICC statement read.

With the decision, the Zimbabwe Cricket will not be getting funds from the ICC, also they will not be a part of any ICC event until the suspension is lifted. Following the suspension of its cricket board, Zimbabwe's participation in the men's T20 World Cup qualifying tournament, starting in October 2019 is in doubt.

"We do not take the decision to suspend a Member lightly, but we must keep our sport free from political interference. What has happened in Zimbabwe is a serious breach of the ICC Constitution and we cannot allow it to continue unchecked," ICC chairman Shashank Manohar said.

"The ICC wants cricket to continue in Zimbabwe in accordance with the ICC Constitution."