Zimbabwe’s ability to fulfil its Test programme against the West Indies looks increasingly in doubt because of an ongoing strike by players demanding the dismissal of the country’s two leading cricket officials.
The 37 striking cricketers — backed by all provincial chairpersons — are holding out for the removal of Zimbabwe Cricket chairperson Peter Chingoka and managing director Osias Bvute, who are accused of dubious financial dealings.
The players have made it clear that not even the prospect of cancelling their Test series in the West Indies in May will deter them from their action, even though this could result in the possible removal of Zimbabwe as one of the International Cricket
Council’s 10 test nation members.
”We certainly don’t want to damage the ICC future test programme by refusing to play against West Indies,” all-rounder Andy Blignaut told The Associated Press. ”But we simply have no option at the moment. We are determined to see through our dispute.”
Striking players have refused to go to Bangladesh for the under 21 Afro-Asian Cup, an ICC event starting next week. They were due to leave for Dhaka on Saturday.
Zimbabwe Cricket vice-chairperson Judge Ahmed Ebrahim led a delegation of players and administrators in December in a bid to persuade Sports Minister Aegios Chigwedere to appoint an interim management committee of four or five experienced administrators to run the game until the crisis is solved. But no decision has been made public.
”We are continuing to down tools while Chingoka and Bvute are still there and that will remain the case,” said captain Tatenda Taibu, who resigned from Test cricket in November after receiving threats.
Blignaut said: ”Our contracts have still not been finalised and some have actually been arbitrarily withdrawn.
”They should have been settled four months ago. We still have not been paid Test match and one day international fees from as far back as August,” he added in reference to the New Zealand and India tours to Zimbabwe.
”We are still hoping it can all be resolved. But in the meantime I can say that all of us remain unavailable to play for Zimbabwe.”
The provinces have been especially vocal in accusing Chingoka and Bvute of shady financial dealings.
The two men were arrested and held for 48 hours in December following Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe investigations, but released on instructions from the attorney-general.
While in custody they faced a number of questions, including whether Bvute purchased a house worth $55 000 using a sponsor’s check from last year’s one-day series against New Zealand. The pair were also questioned over the apparent disappearance of two team buses and a number of cars, soaring salaries and expenses and outstanding debts.
Chingoka and Bvute could not immediately be reached for comment.
The ICC has maintained it cannot interfere in the internal affairs of a member country — even if there is evidence that its financial assistance is not reaching those for whom it is intended. – Sapa-AP