Preparations by the Zimbabwean cricket team for a series of matches in Bangladesh seemed likely to be hindered by the destruction by fire of the CFX Zimbabwe Cricket Academy near Harare on Tuesday night. Team sources said arson was suspected.
Area resident Tony Lambard said he saw police pick up a former member of the team after the man's car was seen leaving the scene. But police in the Harare suburb of Highlands, where the now-gutted building stands, declined to confirm this. Zimbabwe police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena also declined to comment on the matter.
Reuters quoted Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Ozias Bvute as saying police were questioning former batsman Mark Vermeulen. Bvute told the agency that initially no foul play was suspected, but investigators found a window had been forced.
Reporter Marvellous Mhlanga-Nyahuye of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe asked CFX Zimbabwe Cricket Academy manager Nick Singo what impact the destruction of the facility would have upon the national team as it prepares for play in Bangladesh.