South Africa might not play in the tri-series

Posted by brmtaylor.com admin on March 24, 2009

Mickey Arthur, the South African coach, does not want South Africa to play in the Zimbabwean tri-series of July, which was meant to also include India and Zimbabwe. He would prefer to play in September as warm up to the Champions Trophy using the months between the ICC World Twenty20 and then for rest, he told SuperSport.

South African Cricketers Association chief Tony Irish said that he knew nothing about the Zimbabwe tri-series, having only heard about it through the media.

"We have not heard anything officially. It’s definitely not part of the international tour programme (FTP).", Irish said.

The original revelation that South Africa would be the third team came in a BCCI press release.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwean commentator and former Zimbabwe A coach Andy Pycroft has been added to the ICC panel of referees. Pycroft worked as a lawyer for over 20 years and his credentials also include being national team coach, manager and selector. He played 3 Test matches and 20 ODI's for Zimbabwe, while he also represented Zimbabwe-Rhodesia in the 1979 Currie Cup.

Pycroft told The Herald; "I am fortunate that I have been involved in cricket for many years and in many different capacities. Whether as a player, coach, administrator or commentator I have always tried to be fair and respect the game. I am looking forward to this new challenge and I will be doing my very best to apply that range of skills effectively."