Cricket news round-up – March 17: Ireland’s tour of Zimbabwe postponed, matches called off between Bangladesh and Pakistan

Ireland’s tour of Zimbabwe was postponed followed by the Coronavirus pandemic. Pakistan cancelled the ODI and Test against Bangladesh for the time being. Six Sussex players went for self-isolation.

Ireland’s Zimbabwe tour postponed

Ireland’s tour of Zimbabwe scheduled for April was postponed due to the Covid-19 outbreak. After a thorough discussion, both boards decided to take the call as precautionary measures. Ireland were scheduled to play three T20Is and as many as ODIs starting on April 2.

Givemore Makoni, Acting Managing Director of Zimbabwe Cricket explained the situation and said, “Indeed, the mutually agreed decision to postpone the series is the right thing to do, given the worsening Coronavirus pandemic and the overwhelming priority to safeguard the players, fans and the entire cricket community. We are looking to reschedule the tour once the pandemic has been brought under control.”

Warren Deutrom, Chief Executive of Cricket Ireland thanked Zimbabwe for understanding the situation, “We pass on our thanks to Givemore and all of Zimbabwe Cricket for so readily agreeing with this position, and we shall work with Zimbabwe Cricket to seek a new date for the tour when we are all in a position to plan for the future with greater certainty.”

Pakistan-Bangladesh Test called off

Pakistan Cricket Board decided to cancel the remaining Karachi ODI and Test amid the Coronavirus pandemic. Pakistan had won the first Test match of the series and were scheduled to play the second one from April 5. The one-off ODI was to be held in Karachi on April 1.

The Test match was a part of World Test Championship. Now both boards will work on to find out opportunity to complete the ICC commitments. Meanwhile Pakistan’s domestic one-day tournament Pakistan Cup was also postponed for indefinite time. It was earlier scheduled to begin from March 25.

Surrey players go for self-isolation

Six Surrey cricketers decided to go for self-isolation as a precautionary measure followed by Covid-19 outbreak. Surrey Cricket announced this on Monday without revealing the names. The rest of the squad would continue the training according to the statement.

“While not all six have reported symptoms, close proximity means that they have all been instructed to stay at home this week. The six players will not be named at this point. The rest of the squad will continue to train in the marquee, gym and Ken Barrington Centre at The Kia Oval.”

Surrey had cancelled their pre-season trip to Dubai. Now they will prepare for pre-season matches including one against Sussex scheduled to start on April 2. On the other hand, some international players are set to join the team next week for training.