Scotland wait for Zimbabwe move

Scotland are waiting for ICC developments over Zimbabwe's possible inclusion in the Intercontinental Cup before deciding what stance to take over a potential visit to the country.

The ICC Cricket Committee recently recommended that Zimbabwe play more four-day matches to enhance their chances of a return to the Test scene and earmarked the Associate competition as a route they could take.

However, that would throw up the issue of more teams needing to tour the country because, if Zimbabwe were handed the same rights as the Associate countries, they would be permitted to play every second match on home soil.

Roddy Smith, the Scotland chief executive, told The Scotsman: "It would not be an issue for me, it would be an issue for our board, in consultation with the Scottish Executive and the Foreign Office. It's all hypothetical at this stage but if it became a reality, we would have to look at it and make a decision based on all the relevant factors at the time."

However, he added that it was unlikely Zimbabwe would join because the Associates are already stretched with the amount of cricket they play. "If the ICC wanted us to play another match that would involved foreign travel, we would have to find the time and money to do it," he said. "Also, we wouldn't make any money out of playing Zimbabwe. So it wouldn't be a commercially attractive proposition for us."

Zimbabwe have been suspended from Tests since September 2005 although they have continued to play ODIs. However, their performances during the World Cup - where they tied with Ireland and lost to Pakistan and West Indies - highlighted ongoing concerns about their ability.

Last month Australia's proposed tour of Zimbabwe was called off after intervention from the government.