Zimbabwe will return to Test cricket in November 2007, almost two years after they volunteered to withdraw from tests because they were not competitive.
Zimbabwe coach Kevin Curran announced in September the team will be ready in November next year, and that is ”realistic”, International Cricket Council (ICC) president Percy Sonn confirmed on Saturday, the last day of the two-day ICC board meeting.
The board’s decision followed a fact-finding visit to Zimbabwe by Sonn and ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed in July and August.
However, reinstating Test status is conditional; Zimbabwe Cricket must re-establish a credible domestic championship, and play more four-day games against top-class competition in the next 12 months.
The ICC also instructed Zimbabwe Cricket, subject to complaints of corruption and bias and months of infighting, to elect a board that will be inclusive.
Zimbabwe Cricket chairperson Peter Chingoka said a draft constitution will be circulated from Monday, and that and a new board will be approved on November 18.
Zimbabwe failed to win any matches in qualifying for the Champions Trophy in India.
They received Test status in 1992, and have won only eight of 83 Tests. — Sapa-AP