The ZimbabweCricket has been suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) onThursday with immediate effect. They are being suspended for failing to fulfiltheir obligation of ensuring that there is no government interference in itsadministration.

"Whathappened in Zimbabwe is a serious breach of the ICC Constitution and we cannotallow it to continue unchecked," said Shashank Manohar, ICC's chairman.

"We do not take the decision to suspend a member lightly, but we must keep our sport free from political interference. The ICC wants cricket to continue in Zimbabwe in accordance with the ICC Constitution," Manohar further said.

Following the suspension, ICC funding to Zimbabwe Cricket will be frozen and representative teams from Zimbabwe will not be allowed to participate in any ICC events.