Zimbabwe Cricket today confirmed its decision not to participate in the ICC World Twenty20 2009.

The decision, taken as a one-off, was reached during a meeting between ZC officials and ICC President David Morgan, Vice President Sharad Pawar and Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat in Dubai on Wednesday.

ZC officials had previously indicated the country’s willingness to step back from the ICC WT20 2009 during the ICC’s annual conference week in Dubai in June/July, pending agreement by its Board.

ZC arrived at the decision after recognizing the UK Government would be unlikely to issue visas for the team for the ICC WT20 2009, given it had already cancelled the bilateral series between England and Zimbabwe set to take place earlier in the year.

The decision was made with a view to the following:

A recognition of the logistical challenges of putting on an event of the size of the ICC WT20; the need to create certainty around the event; and the need to offer Scotland, the side set to step up in Zimbabwe’s place, adequate preparation time ahead of the tournament.

ICC President David Morgan said: “We are grateful to Zimbabwe Cricket for confirming the decision taken by its officials during annual conference week.

“This allows the ICC the opportunity to plan with certainty the ICC World Twenty20 2009, as well as giving Scotland, the side set to step up in Zimbabwe’s place, plenty of preparation time ahead of the tournament.”

The ZC delegation that met with ICC officials in Dubai on Wednesday was made up of ZC Chairman Peter Chingoka, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, ZC’s vice chairman, and the chairman of the legal and constitutional committee Wilson Manase.