Scotland's cricketing chief executive Roddy Smith paved the way for a future clash against Zimbabwe to go ahead, but only if the match is played on a neutral venue.

Despite being rejected from next month's Twenty20 World Cup in England, the ICC are keen to incorporate the controversial African nation into the Intercontinental Cup including the likes of Scotland, Ireland and Afghanistan.

Dubai is in line to host the first ever match between the countries, Smith insists they will provide no political opposition to Zimbabwe's inclusion.

"The ICC sees this as a first step in getting Zimbabwe re-established as a Test-playing nation and we have no problem with that," said Smith who is hoping Scotland return to former glories in the lucrative competition they last won five years ago.

"We would probably play them at a neutral venue like Dubai.

"We are awaiting a final decision on whether Zimbabwe comes into the Intercontinental Cup.

"The prize money adds an extra incentive for us and hopefully we'll be able to win back the cup."