Bvute on schedule

schedule ahead with players expected to be active in the domestic and international assignments following the confirmation of tours by Bangladesh, South Africa, Australia A and New Zealand.
Zimbabwe Cricket general manager Ozias Bvute yesterday said it was not possible to play Ireland this year.
“Zimbabwe has a full international and domestic calendar this season and we are not obliged to play against Ireland.
“Our offer to arrange playing opportunities with them is spearheaded by nothing less than the spirit of sportsmanship and inclusion.
“With the Australian and South African A sides, Bangladesh, New Zealand and Pakistan all having confirmed to tour Zimbabwe between June and November this year there is simply no slot available to accommodate them in 2011,” said Bvute.
Zimbabwe’s home season begins with Bangladesh’s visit between July when they play a one-off Test match and four ODIs before Australia A arrive for a one-day tri-series also involving South Africa, and two four-day matches against the host. Match details are yet to be confirmed at this stage, but the tour will run from late June to late July.
Pakistan then visit for another Test match, three ODIs and two Twenty20 matches from July 26 to August 19. New Zealand, who sent an A side to Zimbabwe for an unofficial Test series against Zimbabwe A last year, have not yet finalised dates for their tour.
Bvute yesterday said associate member Ireland had also indicated their willingness to tour the country but the request was turned down and proposed for next January.
Bvute also spelt out ZC position on Ireland’s request.
“It is very unfortunate that recent media reports aim to portray Zimbabwe as unwilling to play against Ireland and insinuate that the reason is based on an attempt to ostracise them,” he said.
“Zimbabwe has suffered greatly from the politics of exclusion and we would not wish that on any one.
“Sport is about participation and increasing the numbers that participate to allow for the sustainability of any given activity.”
He said following the international dates, Zimbabwe will engage in a full domestic programme in the latter half of the year and would want to ensure “our national players are able to turn out for their local franchise teams and they cannot do this if they are called to national duty.
“Our long term strategy is to grow our domestic cricket and increase the spectatorship numbers for our local games. “The people in Kwekwe, Mutare, Masvingo and Bulawayo will only support their franchises if they can expect to see players that they can identify. “The greater the crowds the more likely the corporate world is to further support the game. “It is our hope that in the future, with these efforts, we will have a domestic competition that is in itself financially viable and sustainable,” said Bvute.