Even as the International Cricket Council (ICC) debates Zimbabwe's suspension at its board meeting in Dubai Sunday, the Asian bloc, including the Indian cricket board, has pledged full support to the troubled African nation.The volatile political situation in Zimbabwe prompted one of its strong ally, South Africa, and England to severe all cricketing ties with it.
The ECB called their 2009 tour last week to Zimbabwe under instructions from the British government over the growing violence in the country.
The ICC, who has so far maintained a clear policy of keeping sport away from the political upheavals in Zimbabwe, is going to re-consider its decision to allow Zimbabwe enjoy the status of Full Member of the governing body in the wake of recent developments.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said it would support Zimbabwe's continuance as full member of the ICC in the board meeting. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said it would continue with their 'A' team's tour to Zimbabwe even if it faces sanctions from the cricket's governing body.
The support of Indian and Pakistan cricket boards might come as a respite for Zimbabwe.
'We are very clear that we would like to fully support Zimbabwe on the issue of full membership of the ICC,' Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Niranjan Shah was quoted as saying in The Dawn here.
Shah said the BCCI was aware that some member boards want Zimbabwe's membership to be taken away, but said they have decided to back Zimbabwe on the issue.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on the other hand, said it will continue with its planned tour of their 'A' team to Zimbabwe from August 20, regardless of any sanctions that might be taken against the African nation by the ICC.
South Africa's outgoing ICC president Ray Mali has placed Zimbabwe on the agenda for a two-day meeting of the ICC board.
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