Zimbabwe pulls out of World Twenty20

The big question is, Will sporting sanctions influence Mugabe?

With pressure mounting on Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe has finally agreed to withdraw from next year's Twenty20 World Cup to be held in England. The compromise allows Zimbabwe to retain it's International Cricket Council membership....and the funding that goes with it.

The announcement follows the England Cricket Board's decision last week to ban Zimbabwe from their scheduled one-day international tour next year.

The British government is likely to refuse visa for the Zimbabwe cricket team to take part in the ICC World Twenty20 as the international community steps up pressure on the Robert Mugabe regime in Zimbabwe.

There is no doubt the biggest losers are the cricket players. Banning Zimbabwe from the ICC Twenty20 will not influence Mugabe that much. But an pressure on the Mugabe regime is warranted.

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