Talks between Zimbabwe cricket captain Heath Streak, who has reportedly resigned, and Zimbabwe Cricket Union chief executive Vincent Hogg are under way to try and resolve a looming crisis.
Streak is not able, in terms of his contract, to discuss anything publicly about his employment. But his father, former top-level cricketer Dennis Streak, was adamant that his son did not resign as captain or national player, nor did he threaten to do so.
”All he said was that that if his [selector panel] concerns were not addressed he would consider retirement from national cricket,” said Dennis in a statement.
Streak had wanted anybody removed from the selectors’ panel who had not played first-class cricket or who was a TV commentator.
This would mean the stepping down of two blacks and an Asian, convenor Ali Shah.
The board of directors reacted angrily to this and said so in a quickly prepared statement, which accepted the resignation of Streak with immediate effect, appointing 20-year-old vice-captain Tatenda Taibu in his place.
They rejected Streak’s ultimatum and pointed out that Streak said he had no confidence in Zimbabwe’s recently selected teams.
Streak is said to be taking legal advice over what he apparently construes as a sacking. Zimbabwe are due to host Sri Lanka and Australia in the next few weeks.
Streak, who has played 59 Tests and 183 one-dayers, was recently signed by county outfit Warwickshire for the coming season.
He made his international debut against Pakistan in 1993/94 and has career Test wickets of 202 and best bowling figures of 6-87. He also made 11 814 Test runs with a top score of 127 not out.
Streak also took 234 one-day wickets with a best of 5-32 and hit 2 752 runs with a highest score of 79 not out. — Sapa-AFP