When news filtered through from Zimbabwe that players across all five franchises were considering a boycott of the second round of matches of the new domestic season, cricket fans all around the world muttered the same two words: “not again”. However, this time it was different.
by Michael Michael.Reekie, Zimbabwe Badger
Unlike previous boycotts that were motivated by race, politics and even selection, this was the first instance of all players standing together and saying enough is enough.
The boycott was due to the 15 contracted national team players and non-playing staff still being owed match fees from November with the franchises still yet to see a penny of their yearly grant from Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC). The catalyst was the first round of matches where the national team’s players met up with their domestic counterparts and learned of their struggle to make ends meet during the off season.
The official word given from ZC is that due to the liquidity problems which are currently impacting all walks of life in Zimbabwe, banks have been unable to transfer the necessary funds into players’ accounts.
However, this in itself is a smoke screen as the truth is that ZC are broke and have once again had to rely on yet another bail out from the ICC, who agreed to grant emergency funds of US$3 million to ensure that the domestic season, originally planned to begin in October, could finally start in December.
A key factor in the decision for players to finally carry out the threatened boycott is that Zimbabwean cricketers now have options that weren’t previously open to them. Domestic players who previously survived on seven month contracts can now pick up a higher pay packet and enjoy a higher standard of living showcasing their talents in club cricket in the UK, South Africa and Australia.
Cephas Zhuwao, a fifty-over domestic specialist at best, had a fantastic off-season in the UK, resulting in selection for the high profile Lashings XI, playing alongside the likes of Andy Caddick and Courtney Walsh. Why should he have to endure ZC’s broken promises when he can be earning a regular wage playing Club Cricket in Australia? A route which he will be taking for the first time this year.
Ultimately it is expected that ZC will pay up somehow, but this won’t be without casualties, with Craig Ervine, Stephen Marillier, Simon Mugava and Nathan Waller opting to take up contacts elsewhere whilst experienced cricketers Greg Lamb, Terry Duffin and Mluleki Nkala have retired in order to pursue greater earning opportunities outside the game.
However, perhaps it’s the departure of fast bowler Njabulo Ncube, who cancelled his franchise contract whilst on the fringes of national selection to take up a coaching position in a primary school in Johannesburg, which best highlights the harsh reality, that many players see cricket in Zimbabwe as financially unrewarding…….
Michael Reekie @CricketZimbo
Despite the currents disruptions, national coach Andy Waller has named a provisional 30-member squad for the ICC World T-20 Cup to be held in Bangladesh in March. The squad will be cut to the final 15 before 15 February.
Squad: Sikandar Raza Butt, Tendai Chatara, Chamu Chibhabha, Elton Chigumbura, Michael Chinouya, Charles Coventry, Trevor Garwe, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Kevin Kasuza, Timycen Maruma, Hamilton Masakadza, Shingirai Masakadza, Tino Mawoyo, Chris Mpofu, Tawanda Mupariwa, Natsai M’shangwe, Forster Mutizwa, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Richmond Mutumbami, Taurai Muzarabani, Richard Muzhange, Tinashe Panyangara, Edward Rainsford, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Brendan Taylor (cpt), Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Malcom Waller, Sean Williams, Cephas Zhuwawo.
James Buttler
As the editor of Cricket Badger he is intent on building the website to give quality coverage of the domestic game around the world.
James was the full-time Media Manager at Yorkshire County Cricket Club between 2007 and 2010.
James is a published author and a writer/video contributor to many cricket publications.
He's unsurprisingly a complete cricket badger!
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