Cutting costs: Venue for second Pakistan, Zimbabwe Test match changed

Zimbabwe cricket reschedules second Test for Harare from Bulawayo to save up to $50,000 in costs.

Zimbabwe Cricket have executed a drastic cost-saving measure, including playing the second Test against Pakistan in Harare instead of Bulawayo, as earlier scheduled, ESPN cricinfo reported.

The move comes amidst a row between the Zimbabwe cricket board and the players over unpaid wages. The players, who formed a union earlier in the moth, had repeatedly threatened to boycott matches during Pakistan's tour, but reconciled after assurances from the board.

The latest move is believed to have been made by the board to ensure players are paid this week.

Most of the Zimbabwe players are based in Harare, which would mean they could continue to stay at home, rather than in paid accommodation in Bulawayo. The money required driving them and the television crew down would also be saved.

This means the entire Pakistan series, consisting of two Twenty20s, three ODIs and two Tests will be staged on the same ground and ZC are expected to save close to US$50,000 in travel costs and hotel fees in the process.

Before the first Test started on Tuesday, wages had still not been transferred and the players had set Friday as deadline. Players have warned that they will boycott the second Test if they do not receive their outstanding dues.

While ZC have stated publicly that they are in talks with their banker, it has since been established they will struggle to meet the demand.