An inquiry probing allegations of racism against the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU), made by 15 sacked white players, ran into early problems when it got under way in Harare on Wednesday.
The first was when three of the players — former captain Heath Streak, batsman Stuart Carlisle and all-rounder Trevor Gripper, who had waited several hours to give evidence — insisted that ZCU directors should not be allowed to listen to their evidence as they would feel inhibited.
Lawyers for both parties, Chris Venturas for the players and Norman Arendse for the ZCU, argued the matter before the investigators, India’s solicitor-general Goolam Vahanvati and Steven Majiedt, a South African judge, who had been appointed by the International Cricket Council.
Following a lengthy debate, during which Venturas claimed he was physically pushed by Arendse and ”told not to talk shit”, Vahanvati and Majiedt decided that ZCU personnel could be present during the players’ evidence.
It was agreed, however, that three executives, Ossias Bvute, Macsood Ebrahim and Tavengwa Mukuhlani would be excluded as they are regarded as the principal objectors to the players’ allegations.
However, an impromptu meeting between Vahanvati, Majiedt, Streak and Arendse (Venturas had already left) ended with a request by the two investigators that the players and the ZCU get together and try to resolve the issue by 9am on Thursday and report back.
In their statement Vahanvati and Majiedt said: ”We find ourselves in a difficult situation. We asked Mr Venturas to indicate what his clients would do if their application was refused. He could not make any commitment.
”We are left with no choice but to request the three persons not to be in the room while the players’ evidence is being recorded.
This does not amount to our acceptance of the correctness of the allegations made or of the apprehensions expressed.”
Streak said afterwards: ”We have subsequently been asked to meet the ZCU overnight in an attempt to resolve all our differences.
There isn’t much time but we will make the attempt.”
Meanwhile the panel did take evidence from one person early in the day, but he spoke only on the basis of strict anonymity.
The Zimbabwe cricket impasse goes back to April 2 this year when Streak demanded changes to the national selection panel, claiming they were making choices on the basis of colour, not merit.
He was immediately sacked and the players went on strike in his support.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe second string of young players was called up. But they failed to provide adequate opposition, even to touring ”A” sides and minor countries and have been given until January to reach Test cricket standard, whereupon the status of Zimbabwe will come under review.
Vahanvati and Majiedt have to present their report to the ICC before October 16. – Sapa-AFP