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Zim U15 Forced Out of Junior “World Cup”

Published April 10th, 2008 in News

Zimbabwe’s U15 side had been due to take part in the CLICO Under 15 International Championship in the West Indies in April & May, but their participation has been scuppered by the British Government’s refusal to grant the side’s players visa - the side need to transit through London to reach the tournament. Tournament organisers were unable to make alternative travel arrangements for the team. Zimababwean umpire Tinaye Matare is also affected by the decision.

Note to Gordon Brown et al: <sarcasm>When Mugabe falls, be sure to let the world know how denying a bunch of schoolkids the chance to play a few games of cricket tipped the balance.</sarcasm> I don’t think I’ve ever come across a ‘ban’ that’s quite so pointless or vindictive.

UPDATE: CricInfo have updated their story to add Foreign & Commonwealth Office claims that, while they were aware the team were hoping to travel, they have no trace of visas actually being applied for. I’ve posted the original version of their story as a comment for the record - but if this is the case, it does put a slightly different complexion on the story.
CricInfo - Zimbabwe U-15s refused UK visas

2 Responses to “Zim U15 Forced Out of Junior “World Cup””  

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  1. 1 R Bell Apr 10th, 2008 at 2:36 pm

    That’s not what it says on Cricinfo, it says there is no record of Zimbabwe applying for the visas! Get your facts right before you criticise other countries.

  2. 2 maehara Apr 10th, 2008 at 3:12 pm

    If that’s the case, then CricInfo have changed their story since this morning - and for just such an emergency, here’s the original article:

    It is being reported from the Caribbean that Zimbabwe have been forced out of the CLICO Under 15 International Championship after their team were denied British visas to travel to the region via London.

    “Attempts at making alternative arrangements also proved futile and in light of the refusal by the British to grant the visas, Zimbabwe was forced to cancel its participation in the tournament,” the tournament organisers said. Zimbabwean umpire Tinaye Matare is also a doubt after being also refused a visa to enter London.

    Malaysia, who failed to make the original eight teams, will now replace Zimbabwe in competition which runs from April 19 to May 4. They will meet hosts West Indies in the opening match.

    The news, while hardly earth-shattering, could have more significant consequences as it emphasises the hardening of the stance of the UK government towards Zimbabwe and appears to make it increasingly unlikely that Peter Chingoka, ZC’s chairman, will be allowed to enter the UK to attend June’s ICC annual meeting. If that is the case then the ICC will move the event to Dubai.

    So my facts were just fine at the time of posting. For the record, I’m in the UK, so I’m criticising my own country…

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