BCCI calls off Zimbabwe tour owing to COVID-19 scare

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Friday (June 12) that India will not be travelling to Zimbabwe for their scheduled ODI series in August.

India were set to play 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is against Sri Lanka in June, followed by a 3-match ODI series against Zimbabwe in August this year. However, the increasing number of coronavirus cases globally has forced the BCCI to take a step back.

“The Indian Cricket Team will not travel to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe owing to the current threat of COVID-19. Team India was originally scheduled to travel to the island nation from 24th June 2020 for three ODIs and as many T20Is and to Zimbabwe for a series comprising three ODIs starting 22nd August 2020,” a BCCI media release stated.

While England and West Indies have already started training for their upcoming Test series, the BCCI said that a training camp will be organised for the Indian players only once it is completely safe outdoors.

“The Office-Bearers have been taking note of advisories issued by the Government of India and the Board is committed to fully comply with the restrictions imposed and guidelines issued. The BCCI will continue to study and evaluate the changing situation,” stated the release.

Earlier, the Sri Lankan Cricket Board in its media release, announced that India’s limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka will not go ahead as planned. However, both the BCCI and SLC will be working on alternative dates for the resumption of cricket in the island nation.