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Sports Reporter

ZIMBABWE Cricket managing director, Givemore Makoni, yesterday said they welcomed the return of cricket fans after Government approved a limited number of spectators to grace the One Day international series, between Zimbabwe Women and Bangladesh Women, at Queens Sports Club, next month.

The Lady Chevrons, who are preparing for the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2021, have been allowed to let into the stadium 1 000 fully vaccinated fans, for the three-match series.

“We have been missing the excitement, and energy, which fans bring to the game of cricket and we will be thrilled to safely welcome them, for the first time in nearly two years, as we host Bangladesh Women at Queens Sports Club in November.

“As excitement builds, ahead of that crucial series, we take this opportunity to encourage all cricket lovers to ensure that they are fully vaccinated against Covid19, in order for them to be permitted, into the ground.’’

ZC yesterday said, in a statement, the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, approved their request to have fans.

Local cricket fans last watched the Test series between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, in January last year. The ODIs between Zimbabwe Women and Bangladesh Women, scheduled for November 10, 12 and 15 at Queens Sports Club, will serve as a trial run, for the safe return of spectators, to stadia.

The fans will be required to produce their vaccination cards, and positive identification for inspection, at the venue.

The spectators will also be required to adhere to coronavirus protocols at the ground, including the obligation to wear face masks, and observe physical distancing.

Zimbabwe Women and Bangladesh Women will be using the ODI series in Bulawayo, as part of their final preparations, for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2021, which will be staged in Harare from November 21 to December 5.

The 10-team global tournament will decide the remaining three participants for the 50-over ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 in New Zealand.

Apart from Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, the other teams participating in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2021 are West Indies, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Ireland, the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Thailand and the United States of America.