Zimbabwe will return to test cricket in
November 2007, almost two years after it volunteered to withdraw
from Tests because it wasn't competitive.
Zimbabwe coach Kevin Curran announced in September the team would
be ready in November next year, and that was ``realistic''
International Cricket Council president Percy Sonn confirmed on
Saturday, the last day of the two-day ICC board meeting.
The board's decision followed a fact-finding visit to Zimbabwe by
Sonn and ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed in July and August.
However, reinstating Test status was conditional; Zimbabwe
Cricket must re-establish a credible domestic championship, and play
more four-day games against top-class competition in the next 12
months.
The ICC also instructed ZC, subject to complaints of corruption
and bias and months of infighting, to elect a board which will be
inclusive.
ZC chairman Peter Chingoka said a draft constitution would be
circulated from Monday, and that and a new board would be approved
on Nov. 18.
Zimbabwe failed to win any matches in qualifying for the
Champions Trophy in India.
It received Test status in 1992, and has won only eight of 83
tests.
© The Canadian Press, 2007
