ICC says Zimbabwe may return to Tests in late 2007

MUMBAI: Zimbabwe could return to the Test arena in November 2007 if they improve their domestic structure, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Saturday.   

The ICC's executive board made the announcement after president Percy Sonn and chief executive Malcolm Speed reported back on their fact-finding trip to Zimbabwe in late July and early August.   

World cricket's governing body has asked Zimbabwe to establish a credible domestic first-class structure and secure competitive cricket for their best players against high-class A sides in the next 12 months.   

The Zimbabwe government took control of cricket in January and one of their first decisions was to withdraw the national team from the Test arena.   

The ICC blamed in-fighting in the Zimbabwe board for their plight but has been assured by Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Peter Chingoka that a new draft constitution will be adopted at a special general meeting on Nov. 18.   

Zimbabwe have been forced to pick a depleted team since April 2004, when most of their senior players retired or opted to further their careers in other countries after a dispute with the board that followed Heath Streak's dismissal as captain.   

The Zimbabweans lost nine of their last 10 Tests, seven by an innings. They are still playing one-day internationals but last won a limited-overs game against a major team against West Indies in November 2003.   

Zimbabwe lost all three qualifying games in the Champions Trophy in India, against Bangladesh, West Indies and Sri Lanka.