At a third day of talks on the matter, a statement was issued on Friday morning that explained another committee, to include former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga, is being set up to look at the Zimbabwe situation. For now, it seems Zimbabwe Cricket’s offer has bought itself more time in the ICC from the gesture.

“The Zimbabwe delegation to ICC annual conference week is aware of the decision of the British government not to allow its bilateral series in England in 2009 to go ahead,” an ICC statement read.

“Zimbabwe Cricket has also taken note that the British government is likely to refuse to grant visas for the Zimbabwe cricket team to take part in the ICC World Twenty20 2009. Therefore, the Zimbabwe delegation has decided to recommend to its board that the team should withdraw from that event.

“The delegation has undertaken to report back on the decision of its board to the ICC within one month.

“The delegation will report to its board that it will not suffer financially as a result of its non-participation in the ICC World Twenty20 2009.

 “The Zimbabwe delegation has agreed to take this decision in the greater interest of world cricket and the ICC. This recommendation should be viewed as a one-off and will not be taken as a precedent.

“Outgoing ICC President Ray Mali has recommended that a sub-committee be set up, chaired by Dr Julian Hunte (West Indies) and including another ICC Board member Arjuna Ranatunga (Sri Lanka) and an official from the ICC (to be confirmed).

“The role of this sub-committee will be to advise the ICC Board on all matters relating to Zimbabwe cricket including its return to full participation in the international game. The specific terms of reference for the sub-committee will be finalised in due course.”