…as Chibuku Super Cup is suspended
ZIMBABWE Cricket series against will go ahead as scheduled after dodging the bullet from a blanket sports ban by the Sports and Recreation Commission that has seen the Chibuku Super Cup football competition suspended.
This follows an increase in the number of positive Covid-19 cases and deaths in the country, forcing the government to put in place the Level 4 National Lockdown that President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced on Tuesday.
According to Thursday’s update from the Health ministry, 1 357 new cases were recorded nationwide, bringing the cumulative total to 51 221 and 1 808 deaths after registering 19 deaths yesterday.
In a statement, SRC said they had suspended all sporting activities save for the athletes preparing for the 2021 Paralympic and Olympic games, cricket (Bangladesh series), senior national football team’s participation in the Cosafa Cup and boxer Charles Manyuchi’s bout.
The suspension comes into effect tomorrow.
“The suspension will be reviewed on a weekly basis…enhanced Covid-19 protocols are being communicated directly to these codes which should be stringently adhered to,” read SRC’s statement.
“For the avoidance of doubt this suspension extends to the Zifa-PSL tournament for the Chibuku Super Cup and all sports previously classified as low risk. All national sports associations, clubs, gyms and related stakeholders should abide by this suspension without exception.”
Meanwhile, Chevrons seamer Tendai Chatara returns to the Test squad after three years on the sidelines due to injury. He makes the 20-man squad for the Ispahani Test match against the Tigers scheduled for July 7 -11 at Harare Sports Club.
Test captain Sean Williams is expected to lead the lead that also boasts of seasoned campaigners in Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Regis Chakabva, Donald Tiripano and rising pacer Blessing Muzarabani.
Zimbabwe Test Squad– Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chisoro, Tanaka Chivanga, Craig Ervine, Joylord Gumbie, Luke Jongwe, Roy Kaia, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Kevin Kasuza, Timycen Maruma, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Murabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Milton Shumba, Brendan Taylor, Donald Tiripano, Sean Williams (Captain)
