zimcricketnews.com

Zimbabwe Cricket has finally confirmed to the ICC that they will withdraw from next year's World Twenty20, after a delay for extra discussions and "clarifications" that would have worried some within the ICC and ECB. The confirmation means that Scotland, who finished 3rd in the World Twenty20 Qualifiers in Belfast earlier this month, will now get a place in the tournament.

One wonders what "clarifications" were needed, so let's make a little prediction: you'll have noticed the ongoing uncertainty over the Champions Trophy, due to be held in Pakistan next month, with several nations expressing concern over the security arrangements for the tournament - England, Australia and South Africa are being particularly vocal on this matter. The ICC does have the power to move the tournament, but a) they'll incur financial penalties if they do so and b) the powerful Asian block are unlikely to want the tourney moved (although Sri Lanka has already been designated as an alternative venue). Technically, if the tournament stays in Pakistan and any of the concerned sides opt not to take part, Bangladesh and Ireland are next in line to fill their spots - but I wonder if Zimbabwe have been promised a slot to ensure their T20 pull-out? The ICC Board is due to hold a teleconference on Sunday to decide the tournament's fate - it'll be interesting to see what decision is reached.
Cricket365 - Zim Officially Withdraw From T20 WC | CricInfo - ICC to hold teleconference on Sunday