Afghanistan-Zimbabwe series scrapped over virus fears

KABUL’s tour of Zimbabwe has been scrapped after the host government’s refusal to approve the visit on medical grounds.

The Zimbabwe Independent reported on Saturday the tour, during which five Twenty20 internationals were to be played this month, was cancelled due to rising coronavirus cases in that country.

The Afghans were ready to travel to Zimbabwe for the series, but a dusk-to-dawn curfew resulted in the cricket federation seeking a waiver for the matches to go ahead as scheduled.

Prince Mupazviriho, director-general of the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), said the request was rejected.

“It will not be proper at the moment for foreigners to come to Zimbabwe for sports, considering that there won’t be enough time to go through the required quarantine period,” the official added.

Given the recent spike in Covid-19 cases, the host country believed the tour would put the players at great risk.

As a result, the newspaper said, Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry decided not to approve the tour.

The Afghanistan series cancellation is a huge setback to Zimbabwe, which is now hoping to visit Pakistan Super League commitments.

PAN Monitor/mud