Ireland and Zimbabwe agree to postpone series in light of COVID-19 pandemic

The countries were set to face each other in three T20Is followed by an ODI series in Bulawayo, but that has now been put back as a result of the coronavirus outbreak

Zimbabwe and Ireland have agreed to postpone their two limited-over series against one another, which was due to take place in April.

The countries were set to face each other in three T20Is followed by an ODI series in Bulawayo, but that has now been put back as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Irish government has not put any travel restrictions in place that relate to Zimbabwe, but the two governing bodies have agreed that traveling could pose risks, given the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom said: “This is the only reasonable decision in the circumstances, as we all play our part in containing the spread of COVID-19.

“We have taken the advice of Irish and British governments, as well as relevant health and sports bodies, and will take a safety-first approach to our operations over coming weeks and months.

Coronavirus and cricket: Tours and competitions postponed, cancelled or affected by COVID-19

“Apart from the players and coaches, it is the families and social circles that we are conscious of, and to tour at this point would cause unnecessary risk to the wider community.”

Givemore Makoni, who is the acting managing director of Zimbabwe Cricket, added: “With the world in the throes of a public health emergency on a scale not witnessed in over a century, postponing the tour was the only reasonable decision.

“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.”