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Bipini Dani in Mumbai
ZIMBABWE Cricket will send one of their umpires to officiate in the tour of Pakistan this month which is grabbing headlines around the world.

Russell Tiffin will be part of the umpires while the hosts will also provide the other umpires.

This was revealed by ZC managing director (cricket operations), Alistair Campbell.

“No ICC officials but local (Pakistani) match officials will officiate in matches plus we’re bringing our umpire, Russell Tiffin,” said Campbell.

“The match-referee will not be from Zimbabwe.

“I’ve agreed that they (Pakistan) can provide one.”

It’s likely to be the first time that a touring squad would also have one umpire from their country.

Zimbabwe will be the first Full Member nation to tour Pakistan since March 3, 2009, when terrorists attacked the Sri Lankan team in Lahore.

This made the country unsuitable as an international cricket venue because of safety and security concerns.

Zimbabwe Cricket have agreed to play all the matches in Lahore.

The 56-year-old Tiffin agreed to go to Pakistan in 2013 to officiate in Pakistan’s inaugural Super League tournament.

The PSL, however, didn’t kick off.

Campbell said they had the backing of all the players for the tour of Pakistan.

“All players want to go and have expressed their availability.” Campbell said.

It has not yet been confirmed whether the DRS would be in place for all the matches — two Twenty20 internationals and three ODIs between May 22 and 31.

The huge cost factor involved and the absence of ICC match officials may force the PCB to drop the idea of using DRS.