Pakistan's cricket tour of Zimbabwe called off

Lahore, July 26 - The cricket boards of Pakistan and Zimbabwe have decided to call off the limited-overs series between the two countries that the Africans were to host from August. As a result, the proposed tri-series involving Pakistan, Zimbabwe and the West Indies has also been written off.

Pakistan were scheduled to visit Zimbabwe in mid-August for a month-long series. Zimbabwe, ranked 11th in One-Day Internationals (ODI), wanted to use the opportunity to host the tri-nation tournament after the event, a news website reported.

West Indies had, in fact, confirmed their participation in the tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), however, did not make the reason for the cancellation public.

The decision was said to have been unanimous and the two boards were now likely to hold the series some other time later this year. But the possible reason for the decision is Pakistan's sailing past the West Indies to eighth spot in the ODI rankings after winning a series against Sri Lanka.

With 90 points, Pakistan have now secured their spot in the Champions Trophy. West Indies are behind with 88 points.

Bangladesh are seventh on the table with 96 points, two behind England, after winning home series' against Pakistan, India and South Africa this year.

Hosts England and the top seven ODI teams will compete in the 2017 Champions Trophy with September 30 as the cut-off date.

(IANS)