ZIMBABWE government’s blanket ban on all sport had claimed the cricket series between Zimbabwe A and the visiting South Africa A that has since been called off as the authorities dodge the bullet by complying with the directive.
The final four-day match between the two developmental sides was called off by Zimbabwe Cricket a day into the game in which the hosts led by five-wicket hero Wesley Madhevere had done well to bowl out South Africa on the first day.
ZC had sought a reprieve through the national sports governing body, the Sports and Recreation Commission, but the green light came to a tide too late.
“Although SRC this afternoon granted ZC permission to complete the match, the approval did not come in time to allow for the continuation of the game,” ZC said in a statement yesterday.
“Despite this unfortunate turn of events, ZC would like to place on record its sincere gratitude to the SRC for working round the clock to secure us the exemption.”
The Government suspended all sporting activities in the country as part of the new restrictions aimed at containing the spread of the virus that came into effect on Monday.
” The abandoned match was the last of a tour which was being held in a bio-secure environment and included another four-dayer and four one-day games that were completed without any positive case recorded,” added ZC.
“Apart from South Africa A, ZC has since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic also successfully hosted South Africa emerging women’s side as well as the Pakistan senior men’s and women’s teams.
” Throughout the pandemic, the overriding priority for ZC has been to aid the health and wellbeing of the nation and our communities, including players, coaches, staff and supporters. ZC will continue working closely with the Government, the SRC and all relevant authorities to ensure all COVID-19 protocols are strictly adhered to and that all our facilities, including grounds and hotels, remain as safe as possible for everybody involved.”
