Zimbabwe, Pakistan one-day international series off

an impending tour by Bangladesh.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had initially agreed to reschedule the tour to three one-dayers instead of the originally planned five after Zimbabwe gave up their Test status in January.
Zimbabwe had opted to fulfil only one-day internationals in the hope of giving their inexperienced cricketers exposure before the country can possibly resume their Test obligations in February next year.
But PCB chairman Shaharyah Khan this week said they had finally decided to cancel the tour after meeting with television rights holders and sponsors over the viability of the series. Pakistan wanted to play the lucrative Tests as well.
“I don’t think that is going to be possible as it is not feasible for us. We are going to write to them to postpone their tour until 2008,” Khan was quoted in the international media as saying earlier this week.
Frantic efforts by Zimbabwe Cricket to save the series were in vain, with board chairman Peter Chingoka having tried to sweet-talk Khan at the recent International Cricket Council meeting in Dubai.
Zimbabwe also failed to tour Pakistan for a Test series in 2004 after the country was again suspended from Test cricket following a crippling player rebellion.
Back from a tour of the Caribbean this week, Zimbabwe will host fast-improving Bangladesh in five one-dayers in July/August.
They lost 0-5 to West Indies, but won a triangular series against non-Test countries Canada and Bermuda at the weekend.
Zimbabwe are battling to rebuild their team after several experienced players deserted the country following a protracted dispute between the union and players. – ZimOnline