View Full Version : What is Zimbabwe's future
Zimbabwe players in crisis talks
Wisden Cricinfo
April 8, 2004
Zimbabwe's players are set to hold a crisis meeting today to discuss their futures following the Zimbabwe Cricket Union's disputed claim that Heath Streak had resigned the captaincy. The ZCU issued a statement last Friday saying that Streak had quit, but he has since denied this.
About a dozen of the contracted players are expected to attend the meeting. "Come the morning 11 guys will probably resign," a senior player was quoted as saying in London's Guardian. newspaper. "We're meeting with the lawyers now to discuss a few legal matters, just in case the ZCU decides to take it to court. Our A team is still in Bangladesh and some of them will follow suit when they come back on Friday. You're looking at about 15 or 16 guys getting out of cricket."
Vince Hogg, the ZCU chief executive, has been holding emergency talks with Streak and several players in an increasingly desperate bid to defuse the situation. He will be invited to the meeting, along with Osias Bvute, another board member, but the pair will only be told the location at the last possible minute.
Hogg admitted that the position was not good. "It is all very tense and volatile," he said. "I am very concerned about it. We are certainly in a crisis situation. I cannot stress too much the tensions here at the moment."
Peter Chingoka, the ZCU chairman, tried to play down the showdown. "There are two main issues before the players - the Streak situation and our integration policy. I cannot discuss the board's position over Streak as of today, but I am sure that we can reach a satisfactory conclusion."
Cooldude
8 Apr 2004, 23:59
Should be suspended from international cricket, it's a mess over there at the moment, and with Streak retiring and a bunch of other players following them, they will field a side that's worse than Bangladesh, they won't be up to Test standards and they're causing genuine concerns around the cricket world, just suspend them and wait for things to improve.
Agree, if Streak and the 11 players resign then they should have their test status rescinded until they can show they they have a stable administration and that they will be competitive on the field. The ICC should also adopt the same code that FIFA have about governments having no control over the national body. Boot out the bangas at the same time.
Freo Big Fella
9 Apr 2004, 10:36
Suspend Zimbabwe, introduce Kenya. You could even combine Kenya, Namibia and the Zimabawean's "In Exile" into an "East Africa" team.
Suspend Zimbabwe, introduce Kenya. You could even combine Kenya, Namibia and the Zimabawean's "In Exile" into an "East Africa" team.
that is actually a really awesome idea, like the west indies. You should go tell that hogg fella that this team should be made
My North
9 Apr 2004, 12:33
Originally posted by Freo Big Fella
Suspend Zimbabwe, introduce Kenya. You could even combine Kenya, Namibia and the Zimabawean's "In Exile" into an "East Africa" team.
A team called East Africa played in one of the world cup in 1975 I think. They played 3 matched and lost them all.
So East Africa has been done before and I cant see why not again
Especially seeing as Namibia on the West Coast.
Don't mind the idea of a Zim/Kenya mixed team, probably not viable as they are not all that close geographically.
Would be going backwards to combine Zimbabwe with anyone now. I'm not against them replacing Zimbabwe with Kenya until the ZCU can get it right and allow the Kenyan board first crack at all the Zimbabweans.
The concept of combining developing countries is a good one but
1) not a country that has been a test nation for years and
2) has to be a region not a couple of countries with no common borders
Originally posted by My North
A team called East Africa played in one of the world cup in 1975 I think. They played 3 matched and lost them all.
So East Africa has been done before and I cant see why not again
East Africa used to be an official side with Kenya, Uganda and I think a couple of other nations. I think there was a 'West and Central Africa' side as well (with the likes of Nigeria and Ghana), i'm not sure if either exists anymore.
But i'd look at a map before advocating Zimbabwe and Namibia as part of an 'East Africa' side. 'Southern Africa' might be more appropriate. ;) It does highlight the lack of quality competition between the test sides and anything below it, although it appears to be changing of late with the Intercontinental cup and the recent 6 nations tournament.
Well, the stand is being made...
Zimbabwe players issue ultimatum to board
April 9, 2004
The crisis in Zimbabwean cricket took a turn for the worse today when the senior players issued an ultimatum to the board, asking it to meet their demands by Wednesday or face the prospect of mass resignation.
According to London's Guardian newspaper, this happened after a marathon meeting between the players and the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU), in which the ZCU stuck to its stand and refused to reinstate Heath Streak as captain. Streak, Andy Blignaut and Grant Flower represented the players, while Peter Chingoka, the chairman of the ZCU, and Vince Hogg, its chief executive, were present along with three other board members.
"We've given the delegation a mandate of 4pm on Wednesday, and if they don't come up with the goods we're out of here," the Guardian quoted a senior player as saying. "I don't think we're going to get anywhere with them. There is no future for Zimbabwe cricket."
If the senior players carry out their threat, Zimbabwe will be forced to field a virtual second-string side for their series against Sri Lanka, which starts in less than two weeks.
According to the report, the players were concerned about the sacking of Streak, and the elevation of Tatenda Taibu as captain. "There are quite a few guys who don't want to play under Taibu, and it's not a racial issue," the unnamed player told the Guardian. "It's because he is 20 years old and he's still trying to make it in international cricket.
"We've asked them to reverse the captaincy situation back to Streak, and they have said they won't. If that's the case, there are a few of us who are going to leave purely on that basis."
Meanwhile, AFP reported that Streak was considering legal action against the ZCU. "Legal action remains an option for me and I'm going to carefully consider that," Streak said. "I shall also be considering their offer for me to continue simply as a player. But if I do so, that will not have a bearing on my claim to continue as captain."
pav_is_god
10 Apr 2004, 18:35
Gee, their next two series against Sri Lanka and Australia will be interesting...
Surely the ICC needs to step in and do something, otherwise there won't be ten test playing nations anymore.
But what they can do is the question. When does Bangladesh play them again? Fair chance for a maiden test win then.
Looks like the ZCU has sacked 14 top players. Apart from Streak, who I don't think that numebr includes, I don't know which players, but if Andy Blignaut was prominent in the "negotiations" earlier in the week, I'd imagine he'd be one of them.
See the story at... http://aus.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/CRICKET_NEWS/2004/APR/120836_ZIM_10APR2004.html
Russian
11 Apr 2004, 11:03
he had sacked up to a dozen white players You'd struggle to find a dozen white players
Streak
Blignaut
Ervine
Carlisle
Flower
Rogers (?)
Vermeulen
Brent
Price
anyone else?
Dogwatcher
11 Apr 2004, 13:36
What is Zimbabwe's future ?
I'd say it's just drifted over Victoria Falls without a paddle.
red+black
11 Apr 2004, 17:05
Originally posted by Dogwatcher
What is Zimbabwe's future ?
The future of Zimbabwean cricket is looking rather black. Literally.
Jim Boy
11 Apr 2004, 17:44
If not the ICC, then all the test playing nations must take a stand. The argument that sport and politics don't mix is simply ludicrous in this situation. Mugabe and his thugs have well and truly taken control of the Zimbabwe team and turned it into a political pawn.
Any team or organisation that now plays the Zims is effectively giving succour to Mugabe and his cronies. It is sham, not even a well dressed sham. After all, what is to be gained by playing a team who are clearly political appointees and who are likely to be so crap that the results will be laughable?
Does cricket really deserved to be dragged down so?
Hopefully the series against Sri Lanka is abandoned, and the issue is miraculously resolved afterwards and the series against Australia goes ahead.
red+black
11 Apr 2004, 18:50
Originally posted by Squeak
Hopefully the series against Sri Lanka is abandoned, and the issue is miraculously resolved afterwards and the series against Australia goes ahead.
I was thinking the same thing. That would be good news for Shane.
Weren't England going there some time this year? They might not have to call their trip off if it's cancelled by the ICC.
Jim Boy
11 Apr 2004, 18:50
Originally posted by Squeak
Hopefully the series against Sri Lanka is abandoned, and the issue is miraculously resolved afterwards and the series against Australia goes ahead.
Well I'm sure warney would love that!
Braddock
12 Apr 2004, 13:04
Heard on the radio a while ago that Ray Price, Sean Ervine, Travis Friend and someone else have been sacked. The ICC really have to do something.
Originally posted by Braddock
Heard on the radio a while ago that Ray Price, Sean Ervine, Travis Friend and someone else have been sacked. The ICC really have to do something.
Based ont he squad that toured here it would be Streak, Blignaut, Price, Friend, Ervine, Gripper, Vermeulen, Wishart, Evans, Carlisle, Ewing and Brent. That's twelve, and basicaly every white player left in Zimbabwe who could play at international level. Although I think I'm forgetting some fringe players, but I doubt they'd play against Sri Lanka anyway if the new regime does what everybody expects they'll do. Which is pick an entirely black side which will be an embarassment.
So where is the ICC in all this? I can't see any news items on their website, and one of their test nations is about to be put to sleep, maybe permanently. Instead there is a press release saying Kenya has to lift it's game before it can be elevated. What the ****?
Russian
12 Apr 2004, 13:52
Originally posted by Mog
So where is the ICC in all this? I can't see any news items on their website, and one of their test nations is about to be put to sleep, maybe permanently. Instead there is a press release saying Kenya has to lift it's game before it can be elevated. What the ****? I don't expect anything until the Wednesday deadline, then the players will probably get out of Zimbabwe and make a statement. The ICC can't really act on unnamed reports in British newspapers.
Freo Big Fella
12 Apr 2004, 21:49
Originally posted by Mog
Based ont he squad that toured here it would be Streak, Blignaut, Price, Friend, Ervine, Gripper, Vermeulen, Wishart, Evans, Carlisle, Ewing and Brent. That's twelve, and basicaly every white player left in Zimbabwe who could play at international level. Although I think I'm forgetting some fringe players, but I doubt they'd play against Sri Lanka anyway if the new regime does what everybody expects they'll do. Which is pick an entirely black side which will be an embarassment.
So where is the ICC in all this? I can't see any news items on their website, and one of their test nations is about to be put to sleep, maybe permanently. Instead there is a press release saying Kenya has to lift it's game before it can be elevated. What the ****?
I think Campbell, the former captain, is still in their top group as well, so that's the 13.
The mess Zimbabwe is in, not just the cricket side of things is an absolute tragedy. Someone ought to shoot that **** Mugabe.
Wicked Lester
13 Apr 2004, 16:16
Mind you I'm sure the Australians would be champing at the bit to tour. Hayden stands a very good chance of reclaiming his record.
Got to feel a bit sorry for our number 5 and 6 batsmen though, and our first change bowlers for that matter - they may not get a look in.
Brett Lee would be quite excited I imagine and keen to be fit. The prospect of test crickets first fatality looms though.
Ah, Test cricket - the ultimate contest. :D :D :D
I guess Taibu will be batting at 3 as well as keeping.
If it were me running the ICC. I'd strip the Zimbos of Test status and have both Zimbabwe's & Kenya's national teams play in the Sth African's domestic comp.
Allow them to participate in selected ODI tournaments and have the leading countries (Aust, India, England, NZ, Sth Africa, Pakistan) send Under 23 sides and 2nd XI teams over to play regular 4 day games.
Domestic politics aside - I reckon this is the only way to develop and grow the game in these countries. Allowing the status quo to continue - being slaughtered every series by all comers (other than the Bangers) - international cricket is becoming a farce and their cricket is going backwards.
Similiar view on Bangladesh. Have their national side play in Pakistan's domestic comp.
corporal
14 Apr 2004, 11:39
Originally posted by Wicked Lester
I guess Taibu will be batting at 3 as well as keeping.
Plus bowling spin, he took 8/43 in their first class competition on the weekend!
stmookeyj
14 Apr 2004, 15:59
Originally posted by Lidge
If it were me running the ICC. I'd strip the Zimbos of Test status and have both Zimbabwe's & Kenya's national teams play in the Sth African's domestic comp.
Allow them to participate in selected ODI tournaments and have the leading countries (Aust, India, England, NZ, Sth Africa, Pakistan) send Under 23 sides and 2nd XI teams over to play regular 4 day games.
Domestic politics aside - I reckon this is the only way to develop and grow the game in these countries. Allowing the status quo to continue - being slaughtered every series by all comers (other than the Bangers) - international cricket is becoming a farce and their cricket is going backwards.
Similiar view on Bangladesh. Have their national side play in Pakistan's domestic comp.
It would be a step backwards for those nations and also for 1st class cricket in RSA and PAK. If those teams were included, the first class teams (and in the case of the RSA comp, Kenya as you suggested) would be scrambling to get enough finance to run for a whole season.
And you're forgetting the old adage, the only way to get better is to play against the best. Sending those nations back to 1st class cricket would irrepairably damage not only the cricketing scene, but also their nations who rely heavilly on revenue from tourists/touring teams to boost economy (except that Zimbabwe's is shot).
Originally posted by corporal
Plus bowling spin, he took 8/43 in their first class competition on the weekend!
And if that isn't an indictment on the quality of their domestic comp I don't know what is.
Then again, maybe he really is an outstanding bowler.
Originally posted by stmookeyj
It would be a step backwards for those nations and also for 1st class cricket in RSA and PAK. If those teams were included, the first class teams (and in the case of the RSA comp, Kenya as you suggested) would be scrambling to get enough finance to run for a whole season.
And you're forgetting the old adage, the only way to get better is to play against the best. Sending those nations back to 1st class cricket would irrepairably damage not only the cricketing scene, but also their nations who rely heavilly on revenue from tourists/touring teams to boost economy (except that Zimbabwe's is shot).
I get your point re: playing the best to improve, but don't agree with you. If I wanted to improve my tennis game I don't think Andy Roddick should be forced to play a few sets with me. My point - I'm not in that category and haven't earnt the right to play with the big boys. Ditto with the Zimbos and Bangers.
Test status is a privilege and having these minnows involved now, is making the game a farce.
Originally posted by Lidge
I get your point re: playing the best to improve, but don't agree with you. If I wanted to improve my tennis game I don't think Andy Roddick should be forced to play a few sets with me. My point - I'm not in that category and haven't earnt the right to play with the big boys. Ditto with the Zimbos and Bangers.
Test status is a privilege and having these minnows involved now, is making the game a farce.
Zimbabwe was prefectly competitive around 2000, but the loss of their star players in the year since (Johnson, Goodwin et al.) has crippled them. Pretty much due to Mugabe. He'll die one day, but cricket in the country will be ****ed for a long time after his stinking corpse is in the grave, and that's really sad.
New statement from the players just released...
Zimbabwe players statement (http://aus.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/CRICKET_NEWS/2004/APR/124386_ZIM_14APR2004.html)
Russian
14 Apr 2004, 22:08
Heath Streak
Stuart Carlisle
Grant Flower
Craig Wishart
Andy Blignaught
Raymond Price
Gary Brent
Sean Irvine
Travis Friend
Barney Rodgers
Trevor Gripper
Richard Simms
Niel Ferreria
No Vermeulen, Evans, Ewing or Brent
Which one of these players is going to go "missing" first?
the fly
14 Apr 2004, 23:23
Originally posted by Russian
Heath Streak
Stuart Carlisle
Grant Flower
Craig Wishart
Andy Blignaught
Raymond Price
Gary Brent
Sean Irvine
Travis Friend
Barney Rodgers
Trevor Gripper
Richard Simms
Niel Ferreria
No Vermeulen, Evans, Ewing or Brent
Don't forget the players who have already left Zimbabwe or had been frozen out by the ZCU.
Alistair Campbell
Andy Flower
Murray Goodwin
Adam Huckle
Neil Johnson
Doug Marillier
Everton Matambanadzo
Brian Murphy
Henry Olonga
Gavin Rennie
Bryan Strang
Paul Strang
Brighton Watambwa
Andy Whittall
Guy Whittall
stmookeyj
15 Apr 2004, 00:16
Originally posted by wang
Which one of these players is going to go "missing" first?
I reckon Blignaut will go back to male modelling!
My Zimbabwe team with all players available
1. Mark Vermulen
2. Stuart Carlisle
3. Murray Goodwin
4. Grant Flower
5. Andy Flower
6. Guy Whittall
7. Neil Johnson
8. Sean Ervine
9. Paul Strang
10. Heath Streak
11. Andy Blignaut
Campbell and Olonga were unlucky omissions.
Russian
15 Apr 2004, 02:05
And without all those players,
Mark Vermeulen
Vusi Sibanda
Piet Rinke
Richard Sims
Dion Ebrahim
Stuart Matsikenyeri
*+Tatenda Taibu
Gavin Ewing
Craig Evans
Douglas Hondo
Blessing Mahwire
Cupido13
15 Apr 2004, 08:29
Originally posted by wang
My Zimbabwe team with all players available
1. Mark Vermulen
2. Stuart Carlisle
3. Murray Goodwin
4. Grant Flower
5. Andy Flower
6. Guy Whittall
7. Neil Johnson
8. Sean Ervine
9. Paul Strang
10. Heath Streak
11. Andy Blignaut
Campbell and Olonga were unlucky omissions.
Surely Campbell would get a gig before Vermulen. He is a hack.
1. Carlisle
2. Johnson
3. Goodwin
4. Andy Flower
5. Campbell
6. Grant Flower
7. Whittall
8. Ervine
9. Streak
10. Blignaut
11. Strang
Surely that is a better looking side!
Dogwatcher
15 Apr 2004, 11:18
Originally posted by Mog
And if that isn't an indictment on the quality of their domestic comp I don't know what is.
A very simplistic statement.
Anyone remember a West Australian bowler by the name of Tim Zoehrer?
stmookeyj
15 Apr 2004, 14:31
Originally posted by Dogwatcher
A very simplistic statement.
Anyone remember a West Australian bowler by the name of Tim Zoehrer?
If I remember correctly, he might have kept for a while as well.
corporal
15 Apr 2004, 15:07
Originally posted by Dogwatcher
A very simplistic statement.
Anyone remember a West Australian bowler by the name of Tim Zoehrer?
When a keeper takes 8/43 in a First Class game after keeping in the first innings, it doesn't matter how simplistic you want to be, the opposition is obviously woeful.
8/43 or not the Zimbawe First Class Competition is not even up to English League standard.
Saying that Taibu took quite a few wickets in the under 19 world cup so who know's he might be the next Murli (he can keep wickets between overs)
Rough_Edges
16 Apr 2004, 01:59
Heath Streak
Stuart Carlisle
Grant Flower
Craig Wishart
Andy Blignaught
Raymond Price
Gary Brent
Sean Irvine
Travis Friend
Barney Rodgers
Trevor Gripper
Richard Simms
Niel Ferreria
All those players resigned right? Or did they quit? Or di they get sacked?
Russian
16 Apr 2004, 12:48
Sri Lanka in Zimbabwe 2003-04
Zimbabwe name weakened squad
Wisden Cricinfo staff
April 15, 2004
As expected, the Zimbabwe selectors have picked an inexperienced squad for the first one-dayer against Sri Lanka at Bulawayo next Tuesday (April 20). In a statement, the Zimbabwe Cricket Union said the team had been chosen only from those who had made themselves available, in a reference to the 13 white players who are at loggerheads with the ZCU about political interference in team selection.
The press release detailing the squad added that the "rebel" players will be expected to report for team practice tomorrow morning, even though they have not been selected. If they fail to do so, "action will be taken against them in terms of their contract", but if they do turn up, they will be considered for selection for future tours.
Tatenda Taibu, 20, will lead the 14-man squad, with Dion Ebrahim as his vice-captain. Other familiar names include Stuart Matsikenyeri, Vusimuzi Sibanda and Douglas Hondo. Tinashe Panyangara, who took 6 for 31 in the shock victory over Australia in the recent Under-19 World Cup, was one of six uncapped players.
Meanwhile, the ZCU has appointed Walter Chawaguta, the Matabeleland provincial coach, to the panel of national selectors. He replaced Mpumelelo Mbangwa, who declared himself unavailable. Chawaguta joined Stephen Mangongo, Maqsood Ebrahim and Richard Kaschula on the committee.
Zimbabwe squad for first ODI
Tatenda Taibu (capt and wk), Dion Ebrahim, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Elton Chigumbura, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Alester Maregwede, Mluleki Nkala, Waddington Mwayenga, Brendon Taylor, Douglas Hondo, Prosper Utseya, Tawanda Mpariwa, Edward Rainsford, Tinashe Panyangara.
----
Not one white player in there as far as I can tell
Black Thunder
16 Apr 2004, 12:56
Originally posted by Russian
Not one white player in there as far as I can tell
Under the opinion Brendan Taylor and Ed Rainsford were white???? Don't know though.
IMO with everyone available this would be the best team they could produce.
A Flower
S Carlisle
M Goodwin
G Flower
A Campbell
N Johnson
H Streak
S Ervine
T Taibu
P Strang
H Olonga
a pretty solid team. and they're second XI team would include the likes of Blignaut, G and A Whittal, Brent, Wishart, Rennie, B Strang........
what a sad state of affairs.
Cooldude
16 Apr 2004, 13:17
Murali will get like 30 wickets against these blokes for the series, that is if Vaas doesn't get many himself.
Really sad
Alastair Campbell is well and truly out of the picture since he's retired from cricket (twice now).
Jim Boy
16 Apr 2004, 17:50
Originally posted by Cooldude
Murali will get like 30 wickets against these blokes for the series, that is if Vaas doesn't get many himself.
Really sad
I doubt he'll get that many, expect Zim to be pretty close to being all out once the new ball loses it's shine.
stmookeyj
17 Apr 2004, 00:19
Originally posted by Russian
Sri Lanka in Zimbabwe 2003-04
Zimbabwe name weakened squad
Wisden Cricinfo staff
April 15, 2004
As expected, the Zimbabwe selectors have picked an inexperienced squad for the first one-dayer against Sri Lanka at Bulawayo next Tuesday (April 20). In a statement, the Zimbabwe Cricket Union said the team had been chosen only from those who had made themselves available, in a reference to the 13 white players who are at loggerheads with the ZCU about political interference in team selection.
The press release detailing the squad added that the "rebel" players will be expected to report for team practice tomorrow morning, even though they have not been selected. If they fail to do so, "action will be taken against them in terms of their contract", but if they do turn up, they will be considered for selection for future tours.
Tatenda Taibu, 20, will lead the 14-man squad, with Dion Ebrahim as his vice-captain. Other familiar names include Stuart Matsikenyeri, Vusimuzi Sibanda and Douglas Hondo. Tinashe Panyangara, who took 6 for 31 in the shock victory over Australia in the recent Under-19 World Cup, was one of six uncapped players.
Meanwhile, the ZCU has appointed Walter Chawaguta, the Matabeleland provincial coach, to the panel of national selectors. He replaced Mpumelelo Mbangwa, who declared himself unavailable. Chawaguta joined Stephen Mangongo, Maqsood Ebrahim and Richard Kaschula on the committee.
Zimbabwe squad for first ODI
Tatenda Taibu (capt and wk), Dion Ebrahim, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Elton Chigumbura, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Alester Maregwede, Mluleki Nkala, Waddington Mwayenga, Brendon Taylor, Douglas Hondo, Prosper Utseya, Tawanda Mpariwa, Edward Rainsford, Tinashe Panyangara.
----
Not one white player in there as far as I can tell
I believe that Taylor and Rainsford are the only 2 white players.
Originally posted by stmookeyj
I believe that Taylor and Rainsford are the only 2 white players.
20 odd first class games between them.
Dogwatcher
17 Apr 2004, 12:06
Originally posted by corporal
When a keeper takes 8/43 in a First Class game after keeping in the first innings, it doesn't matter how simplistic you want to be, the opposition is obviously woeful.
8/43 or not the Zimbawe First Class Competition is not even up to English League standard.
Saying that Taibu took quite a few wickets in the under 19 world cup so who know's he might be the next Murli (he can keep wickets between overs)
I still think it's a simplistic statement. Zoehrer was a wicketkeeper not renowned for his spin bowling either - yet took a bucket load of wickets one season. Was that a reflection on first class cricket in Australia?
I'm not saying Zim first class cricket is of an exceptionally high standard - but I think it could be a possible insult to Taibu's skills.