The Sports and Recreational Commission (SRC) on Thursday took a decision to reinstate the suspended Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) board led by Tavengwa Mukuhlani.
SRC last month suspended the board, a move which resulted in the suspension of Zimbabwe Cricket from all forms of cricket and has had a ripple effect on hundreds of workers and cricket players whose careers seemed to have ended. The move also threatened Zimbabwe’s membership at the international arena, the International Cricket Council.
ZC was suspended over allegations of political interference, which is against the tenets of the ICC.
SRC had suspended the Mukuhlani-led board on the pretext that it convened an unsanctioned Annual General Meeting and later appointed an interim board.
However, ICC called for the reinstatement of the Mukuhlani-led board in order for ZC to be readmitted when the cricket governing board meets in October.
Below is the full press statement from the SRC.
ZIMBABWE CRICKET
On 19th June, 2019, the Sports & Recreation Commission (‘SRC’), acting in terms of Section 30 of the Sports and Recreation Commission Act [Chapter 25:15] (‘SRC Act’) suspended the Zimbabwe Cricket (‘ZC’) Board of Directors and its Acting Managing Director, one Givemore Makoni.
An Interim Committee was appointed, in terms of Section 30(2) of the SRC Act, by the Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts & Recreation (‘the Minister’), after recommendation by the SRC, to administer the affairs of ZC.
On 24th June 2019, the suspended Directors of Zimbabwe Cricket appealed the decision of the SRC Board in terms of Section 32(1) of the SRC Act in the Administrative Court of Zimbabwe under Case No. ACC 34/19.
Despite the dispute being sub judice before a Court having competent jurisdiction, the International Cricket Council (‘ICC’) suspended ZC as its member on 18th July 2019.
The ICC directed ZC to ensure for the reinstatement of its affected directors by not later than 8th October 2019 or risk possible termination of its membership at its next board meeting of 12th October 2019.
The Minister and the SRC agreed to engage the suspended Directors of ZC.
These discussions have culminated in an Order of the Administrative Court of Zimbabwe giving effect to a deed of settlement concluded by all of the litigating parties.
Accordingly, and pursuant to the said Court Order, the SRC hereby lifts the suspension of the Directors of ZC, including that of the Acting Managing Director, with immediate effect.
The Interim Committee accordingly ceases to administer the affairs of Zimbabwe Cricket forthwith.
By Order of the Board.
_______
GERALD N MLOTSHWA
CHAIRMAN
SPORTS & RECREATION COMMISSION
