Zimbabwe Test status to be reinstated

Zimbabwe will be reinstated into the Test fold in November 2007 according to Percy Sonn, the ICC president, who confirmed the decision in Mumbai today.

Sonn added that there were a few conditions in place before Zimbabwe could re-enter Test cricket but was optimistic about those issues being resolved.

"At the beginning of my term I decided to go to Zimbabwe, along with CEO and Mr Murgatroyd," he said. "We went there and met all stakeholders. We came back with a recommendation. Zimbabwe themselves gave a report. Both reports were placed in front of the executive board and they accepted Zimbabwe's request to accept Test cricket in November 2007."

However he quickly cautioned that Zimbabwe had to fulfill certain requirements before sealing their Test spot. "They will have to play a certain amount of longer forms of the game in between now and then," Sonn continued, "and the other nations agreed that they will provide them with the opportunity.

Sonn also said that Zimbabwe had assured that they'd resolve the "governance issue", one related to alleged financial and governance issues within Zimbabwe Cricket. "They've also said that the governance question will be resolved before that time. They've given us the understanding that the final constitution is now ready and they will hold elections on the 18th of November. The matter is no resolved and is off the agenda."