April 11, 2018 issue
Cricket
after chaotic fortnight
Two weeks of turbulence in Zimbabwe cricket will reach a critical juncture on Wednesday (today, April 11) when the country's sports minister meets with representatives from the Zimbabwe Cricket board as well as a group calling for the board to resign. Among those who will be monitoring the reaction of sports minister Kazembe Kazembe to those meetings is the ICC, whose relationship with ZC has reached a crucial stage.
ZC has come under sustained pressure from several quarters since the board decided to sack national coach Heath Streak, his entire technical staff, selector Tatenda Taibu and captain Graeme Cremer in the wake of the team's failure to qualify for the 2019 World Cup. The decision was made at an impromptu board meeting on March 25 that, Cricbuzz understands, had no formal agenda, and was arrived at without any consultation with the players or affected coaching staff.
The clearout has thrown Zimbabwe cricket into disarray, not least because the manner in which it was carried out was unlawful. The coaches were given a deadline by which to resign or face the axe. Many of them opted to resign – in part because it was made clear that they could re-apply for the vacant positions – but three coaches who refused to do so took up legal action. Streak, batting coach Lance Klusener and strength and conditioning coach Sean Bell challenged ZC, leading to the farcical situation where they were rehired and then fired again on the same day.
On Monday, in correspondence seen by Cricbuzz, ZC's lawyers wrote to the trio's legal representative: "After extensive consultations with our client on the position of the law, our client has resolved to unreservedly retract all and any communications leading up to the ultimatum to resign and the subsequent dismissals against your clients. Kindly note that our client will shortly advise your clients of the way forward."
The coaches' contracts were subsequently terminated with three months' notice – in accordance with Zimbabwean labour law. ZC is expected to advertise the vacant positions within the next week but has suffered extensive reputational damage, which was made worse by ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani intimating in an interview that Streak had made selection decisions based on race. Streak, who is currently in India working as the bowling coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders, hit back with a video riposte that went viral. Speaking in Ndebele, one of Zimbabwe's native tongues, he labeled attempts to brand him a racist as "preposterous and laughable".
Streak's standing with Zimbabwe followers has become clear since his sacking was made public, with the vast majority of social media posts condemning his treatment by ZC. That groundswell of support led to the creation of a group calling themselves the Zimbabwe Cricket Family, whose cause has been taken up by politicians from both sides of the spectrum. Last week, in a lengthy statement that spelt out the various failings of ZC's board, former sports minister and opposition politician David Coltart called on the Sports and Recreation Commission to suspend the ZC board under section 30 of the SRC Act for "conducting itself in a manner that is contrary to the national interest".
The call was backed up at a press conference given by the Zimbabwe Cricket Family on Friday, which was fronted by long-time development coach Lazarus Zizhou. The group claim to have assembled several dozen individuals from across the racial divide who have played a key role in cricket structures over the past two decades, including a handful of former Zimbabwe players. Zizhou was flanked by Temba Mliswa, a firebrand politician who sits on the parliamentary portfolio on sports. "Failure to resign by the ZC board within seven days we are going to create parallel structures," Mliswa said on behalf of the group. "We are giving them seven days to resign, after which they will be playing cricket on their own and watching cricket on their own. We shall call upon all the people of Zimbabwe to boycott their matches until they are gone."
All of the dissenting voices have raised the lack of cricket experience on the ZC board as a key problem. But Mliswa's involvement confirmed the politicisation of the issue within Zimbabwe. Not only does this bring into question which way Kazembe Kazembe might lean after Wednesday's meetings, but also how the ICC might react to political interference.
This is especially important given the sensitive negotiations over a financial assistance package, which has moved closer to reality in recent months. It is understood that an ICC decision on a potential bailout is possible as soon as their next conference, which takes place in Kolkata in two weeks' time. But any decision by the sports minister to remove the ZC board would scupper that process, with the government interference potentially leading to questions over Zimbabwe's status as a full member.
Away from the politics, ZC confirmed on Tuesday that the domestic season would resume next week after a four-month delay. The pause was a result of the need to upgrade grounds ahead of the World Cup qualifiers, but also ZC's parlous financial state. It was thought that the remaining three rounds of the Logan Cup and much of the Pro50 would not be completed, but ZC confirmed that the first-class competition will now resume on April 19. It will be concluded on May 15, while the remainder of the Pro 50 tournament will run from May 17 to June 2.
Provincial contracts will be extended by a month due to the extension of the season, and ZC's head of cricket affairs told a press conference in Harare that outstanding salaries should be paid "in the next few days". Players were paid 40% of their salaries for February, and although the balance was settled at the end of March, their salaries for March are still outstanding.
ZC has come under sustained pressure from several quarters since the board decided to sack national coach Heath Streak, his entire technical staff, selector Tatenda Taibu and captain Graeme Cremer in the wake of the team's failure to qualify for the 2019 World Cup. The decision was made at an impromptu board meeting on March 25 that, Cricbuzz understands, had no formal agenda, and was arrived at without any consultation with the players or affected coaching staff.
The clearout has thrown Zimbabwe cricket into disarray, not least because the manner in which it was carried out was unlawful. The coaches were given a deadline by which to resign or face the axe. Many of them opted to resign – in part because it was made clear that they could re-apply for the vacant positions – but three coaches who refused to do so took up legal action. Streak, batting coach Lance Klusener and strength and conditioning coach Sean Bell challenged ZC, leading to the farcical situation where they were rehired and then fired again on the same day.
On Monday, in correspondence seen by Cricbuzz, ZC's lawyers wrote to the trio's legal representative: "After extensive consultations with our client on the position of the law, our client has resolved to unreservedly retract all and any communications leading up to the ultimatum to resign and the subsequent dismissals against your clients. Kindly note that our client will shortly advise your clients of the way forward."
The coaches' contracts were subsequently terminated with three months' notice – in accordance with Zimbabwean labour law. ZC is expected to advertise the vacant positions within the next week but has suffered extensive reputational damage, which was made worse by ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani intimating in an interview that Streak had made selection decisions based on race. Streak, who is currently in India working as the bowling coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders, hit back with a video riposte that went viral. Speaking in Ndebele, one of Zimbabwe's native tongues, he labeled attempts to brand him a racist as "preposterous and laughable".
Streak's standing with Zimbabwe followers has become clear since his sacking was made public, with the vast majority of social media posts condemning his treatment by ZC. That groundswell of support led to the creation of a group calling themselves the Zimbabwe Cricket Family, whose cause has been taken up by politicians from both sides of the spectrum. Last week, in a lengthy statement that spelt out the various failings of ZC's board, former sports minister and opposition politician David Coltart called on the Sports and Recreation Commission to suspend the ZC board under section 30 of the SRC Act for "conducting itself in a manner that is contrary to the national interest".
The call was backed up at a press conference given by the Zimbabwe Cricket Family on Friday, which was fronted by long-time development coach Lazarus Zizhou. The group claim to have assembled several dozen individuals from across the racial divide who have played a key role in cricket structures over the past two decades, including a handful of former Zimbabwe players. Zizhou was flanked by Temba Mliswa, a firebrand politician who sits on the parliamentary portfolio on sports. "Failure to resign by the ZC board within seven days we are going to create parallel structures," Mliswa said on behalf of the group. "We are giving them seven days to resign, after which they will be playing cricket on their own and watching cricket on their own. We shall call upon all the people of Zimbabwe to boycott their matches until they are gone."
All of the dissenting voices have raised the lack of cricket experience on the ZC board as a key problem. But Mliswa's involvement confirmed the politicisation of the issue within Zimbabwe. Not only does this bring into question which way Kazembe Kazembe might lean after Wednesday's meetings, but also how the ICC might react to political interference.
This is especially important given the sensitive negotiations over a financial assistance package, which has moved closer to reality in recent months. It is understood that an ICC decision on a potential bailout is possible as soon as their next conference, which takes place in Kolkata in two weeks' time. But any decision by the sports minister to remove the ZC board would scupper that process, with the government interference potentially leading to questions over Zimbabwe's status as a full member.
Away from the politics, ZC confirmed on Tuesday that the domestic season would resume next week after a four-month delay. The pause was a result of the need to upgrade grounds ahead of the World Cup qualifiers, but also ZC's parlous financial state. It was thought that the remaining three rounds of the Logan Cup and much of the Pro50 would not be completed, but ZC confirmed that the first-class competition will now resume on April 19. It will be concluded on May 15, while the remainder of the Pro 50 tournament will run from May 17 to June 2.
Provincial contracts will be extended by a month due to the extension of the season, and ZC's head of cricket affairs told a press conference in Harare that outstanding salaries should be paid "in the next few days". Players were paid 40% of their salaries for February, and although the balance was settled at the end of March, their salaries for March are still outstanding.
Uncertainty remains over the scheduling of India's tour of Australia later this year with an apparent sticking point revolving around the day-night Test in Adelaide.
The pink ball Test has become a showpiece of the Australian summer since the inaugural fixture in November 2015, marked by record crowds and strong television ratings. History was made last summer with the first Ashes day-night Test and Cricket Australia (CA) had hoped for another bumper fixture when India tour later this year.
The unveiling of Australia's 2018-19 season was expected in February but delayed due to the sticking point over the proposed day-night fixture in Adelaide, according to sources. An announcement could be further delayed due to CA being consumed with the fallout of the ball tampering scandal, while the governing body also continues to negotiate over a new broadcast rights deal. Australia's 2017-18 season was unveiled in December 2016.
"We are currently finalising the detail of these tours with respective member boards," a CA spokesperson told Cricbuzz in regards to the 2018-19 season. "Scheduling of any sport has its complexities, with a number of parties that need to be consulted throughout the process."
India are the only major Test country not to have played a day-night Test match, whereas Australia has won all four of their pink ball games. Understandably, the No.1 ranked India have an apparent reservation to play the day-night fixture in what looms as a crucial series for them. It is doubtful they would get sufficient practice under the conditions amid a tight calendar.
However, there is a possibility India could play their first day-night Test in October against the West Indies at home.
As reported by Cricbuzz in January, the new Perth Stadium is set to launch the Test summer in early December after the ground's successful unveiling during an ODI between Australia and England earlier this year followed by a Big Bash League semi-final just days later.
The highly anticipated series will then move to Adelaide before concluding with the showpiece Boxing Day and New Year's Tests in Melbourne and Sydney respectively. Australia will be severely weakened without suspended former leaders Steve Smith and David Warner - along with opener Cameron Bancroft - as India eye a historic first Test series victory Down Under.
Sri Lanka will follow with a two-Test series starting mid-January, which includes a fixture at the Gabba and the inaugural Test in Canberra, with Hobart missing out. A limited-overs series featuring South Africa is expected to start the summer in October-November.
The pink ball Test has become a showpiece of the Australian summer since the inaugural fixture in November 2015, marked by record crowds and strong television ratings. History was made last summer with the first Ashes day-night Test and Cricket Australia (CA) had hoped for another bumper fixture when India tour later this year.
The unveiling of Australia's 2018-19 season was expected in February but delayed due to the sticking point over the proposed day-night fixture in Adelaide, according to sources. An announcement could be further delayed due to CA being consumed with the fallout of the ball tampering scandal, while the governing body also continues to negotiate over a new broadcast rights deal. Australia's 2017-18 season was unveiled in December 2016.
"We are currently finalising the detail of these tours with respective member boards," a CA spokesperson told Cricbuzz in regards to the 2018-19 season. "Scheduling of any sport has its complexities, with a number of parties that need to be consulted throughout the process."
India are the only major Test country not to have played a day-night Test match, whereas Australia has won all four of their pink ball games. Understandably, the No.1 ranked India have an apparent reservation to play the day-night fixture in what looms as a crucial series for them. It is doubtful they would get sufficient practice under the conditions amid a tight calendar.
However, there is a possibility India could play their first day-night Test in October against the West Indies at home.
As reported by Cricbuzz in January, the new Perth Stadium is set to launch the Test summer in early December after the ground's successful unveiling during an ODI between Australia and England earlier this year followed by a Big Bash League semi-final just days later.
The highly anticipated series will then move to Adelaide before concluding with the showpiece Boxing Day and New Year's Tests in Melbourne and Sydney respectively. Australia will be severely weakened without suspended former leaders Steve Smith and David Warner - along with opener Cameron Bancroft - as India eye a historic first Test series victory Down Under.
Sri Lanka will follow with a two-Test series starting mid-January, which includes a fixture at the Gabba and the inaugural Test in Canberra, with Hobart missing out. A limited-overs series featuring South Africa is expected to start the summer in October-November.
Australia and Pakistan will play Zimbabwe in a Twenty20 International tri-series in the African country from July 1, Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed on Tuesday (April 10). The tournament will be held at the Harare Sports Club.
Pakistan will then stay on for bilateral ODI-leg of five matches to be staged at Bulawayo's Queens Sports Club from July 13.
The tours were earlier under threat due to Zimbabwe Cricket's financial crisis but after negotiations with broadcasters and sponsors the board has managed to piece things together.
"Following months of negotiations, we are pleased to confirm we will be hosting a T20I triangular series involving Australia and Pakistan, followed by an ODI series against Pakistan," Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Faisal Hasnain said.
"Playing two of the game's biggest teams will provide us with a very welcome litmus test as we forge ahead with our plans to develop a stronger Zimbabwe side capable of consistently competing and winning against the best," he added.
Australia last toured Zimbabwe for an ODI tri-series in 2014, during which they lost a game to Zimbabwe after 31 years. South Africa eventually went on to win the tournament by beating Australia by 6 wickets with 55 balls to spare.
Meanwhile, Pakistan visited Zimbabwe for a 2-match T20I and 3-match ODI series in 2015 and triumphed 2-0 in both formats.
T20 tri-series schedule:
Sunday, July 1: Zimbabwe vs Pakistan
Monday, July 2: Pakistan vs Australia
Tuesday, July 3: Australia vs Zimbabwe
Wednesday, July 4: Zimbabwe vs Pakistan
Thursday, July 5: Pakistan vs Australia
Friday, July 6: Australia vs Zimbabwe
Sunday, July 8: Final
Zimbabwe-Pakistan ODI series
Friday, 13 July 2018: First ODI
Monday, 16 July 2018: Second ODI
Wednesday, 18 July 2018: Third ODI
Friday, 20 July 2018: Fourth ODI
Sunday, 22 July 2018: Fifth ODI
Pakistan will then stay on for bilateral ODI-leg of five matches to be staged at Bulawayo's Queens Sports Club from July 13.
The tours were earlier under threat due to Zimbabwe Cricket's financial crisis but after negotiations with broadcasters and sponsors the board has managed to piece things together.
"Following months of negotiations, we are pleased to confirm we will be hosting a T20I triangular series involving Australia and Pakistan, followed by an ODI series against Pakistan," Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Faisal Hasnain said.
"Playing two of the game's biggest teams will provide us with a very welcome litmus test as we forge ahead with our plans to develop a stronger Zimbabwe side capable of consistently competing and winning against the best," he added.
Australia last toured Zimbabwe for an ODI tri-series in 2014, during which they lost a game to Zimbabwe after 31 years. South Africa eventually went on to win the tournament by beating Australia by 6 wickets with 55 balls to spare.
Meanwhile, Pakistan visited Zimbabwe for a 2-match T20I and 3-match ODI series in 2015 and triumphed 2-0 in both formats.
T20 tri-series schedule:
Sunday, July 1: Zimbabwe vs Pakistan
Monday, July 2: Pakistan vs Australia
Tuesday, July 3: Australia vs Zimbabwe
Wednesday, July 4: Zimbabwe vs Pakistan
Thursday, July 5: Pakistan vs Australia
Friday, July 6: Australia vs Zimbabwe
Sunday, July 8: Final
Zimbabwe-Pakistan ODI series
Friday, 13 July 2018: First ODI
Monday, 16 July 2018: Second ODI
Wednesday, 18 July 2018: Third ODI
Friday, 20 July 2018: Fourth ODI
Sunday, 22 July 2018: Fifth ODI
CSK-KKR game
The simmering political tensions in the state of Tamil Nadu over the formation of the 'Cauvery Management Board' bubbled over during the Chennai Super Kings' first home game against Kolkata Knight Riders, leading to an incident of 'shoe flinging' from members of a protesting group.
During the eighth over of the match, members, supposedly of a fringe political group, bearing red flags, flung shoes into the ground from the 'F Upper' stand of the stadium. The footwear landed close to Ravindra Jadeja and two of CSK's reserve players – Faf du Plessis and Lungi Ngidi – standing on either side of the long-on boundary. Police force deployed inside the stadium quickly rushed to action and arrested the three perpetrators and whisked them away from the stadium.
The incident brought to light the concern of player and spectator safety under the prevailing cloud of tension in the city. In fact, several political groups opposed the conduct of the match in Chennai.
Eminent personalities, including members of the state's film industry, had urged the Chennai Super Kings to show solidarity by not playing in this political climate. There were also requests for the team to sport black armbands in a supposed show of support. The Super Kings management took assurance from the State Police, who had promised adequate security arrangements and went ahead with the game.
As early as 4PM on match day, hundreds of policemen stood guard outside the stadium. Around 5PM the first set of slogan-raising protesters marched in and were stopped well outside the Walajah Road gates of the stadium. After a few minutes of a sit-in protest, they were pushed into police vans and taken away. The elaborate security measures and scattered protests delayed the match referee's arrival to the ground, leading to a subsequent delay in the toss.
A match referee during the Test series between South Africa and Australia said he had "never seen such animosity between two teams".
Jeff Crowe's remarks were in an ICC document detailing the successful appeal of the Proteas' bowler Kagiso Rabada against a two-match ban.
Rabada brushed shoulders with Australia captain Steve Smith after celebrating his dismissal in the second Test.
That incident took place after Australia won a fractious opening Test.
"Never in my 14 years of refereeing have I seen such animosity between two teams that was mainly a result of the debacle in the previous Test in Durban," said Crowe.
"This I have no doubt is a contributing factor to the events that occurred under this COC (code of conduct) charge."
South Africa won the four-match series 3-1 but the first Test was marred by an incident involving Australia vice-captain David Warner and South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, for which both were fined.
The controversy involving Rabada's ban followed in the second match before Smith, along with team-mates Warner and Cameron Bancroft, were banned for ball-tampering after the third Test.
Smith and Warner were banned for a year by Cricket Australia, while Bancroft was given a nine-month suspension. Australia coach Darren Lehmann also resigned following the ball-tampering scandal.
Tim Paine, who took over from Smith as captain, admitted Australia must improve their "behaviour" after losing the fourth Test.
Jeff Crowe's remarks were in an ICC document detailing the successful appeal of the Proteas' bowler Kagiso Rabada against a two-match ban.
Rabada brushed shoulders with Australia captain Steve Smith after celebrating his dismissal in the second Test.
That incident took place after Australia won a fractious opening Test.
"Never in my 14 years of refereeing have I seen such animosity between two teams that was mainly a result of the debacle in the previous Test in Durban," said Crowe.
"This I have no doubt is a contributing factor to the events that occurred under this COC (code of conduct) charge."
South Africa won the four-match series 3-1 but the first Test was marred by an incident involving Australia vice-captain David Warner and South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, for which both were fined.
The controversy involving Rabada's ban followed in the second match before Smith, along with team-mates Warner and Cameron Bancroft, were banned for ball-tampering after the third Test.
Smith and Warner were banned for a year by Cricket Australia, while Bancroft was given a nine-month suspension. Australia coach Darren Lehmann also resigned following the ball-tampering scandal.
Tim Paine, who took over from Smith as captain, admitted Australia must improve their "behaviour" after losing the fourth Test.
Teams Abbreviations:
Chennai Super Kings: CSK
Sunrisers Hyderabad: SH
Kings XI Punjab: KXIP
Kolkata Knight Riders: KKR
Mumbai Indians: MI
Delhi Daredevils: DD
Royal Challengers Bangalore: RCB
Rajasthan Royals: RR
Chennai Super Kings: CSK
Sunrisers Hyderabad: SH
Kings XI Punjab: KXIP
Kolkata Knight Riders: KKR
Mumbai Indians: MI
Delhi Daredevils: DD
Royal Challengers Bangalore: RCB
Rajasthan Royals: RR
The upcoming Asia Cup, which was set to be played in India, has been moved to the United Arab Emirates due to tensions between the governments of India and Pakistan, as per the decision taken by the Executive Board of the Asian Cricket Council in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. The tournament, set to be played from September 13 to 28, will be hosted by India in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The 2018 edition of the Asia Cup will be a six-team affair with the five member nations - India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan - along with a sixth country among UAE, Hong Kong, Nepal and Oman, which will be decided via a playoff.
The decision came following protest from Pakistan that if India refuses to send its players to the country for the ACC Emerging Teams' Asia Cup, it won't send its players to India for Asia Cup. The Emerging Teams' Asia Cup will now be co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with the latter set to host the majority of the matches. The tournament has, however, been shifted from April to December.
The ACC board also proposed to have the next annual general meeting in Lahore later this year.
The 2018 edition of the Asia Cup will be a six-team affair with the five member nations - India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan - along with a sixth country among UAE, Hong Kong, Nepal and Oman, which will be decided via a playoff.
The decision came following protest from Pakistan that if India refuses to send its players to the country for the ACC Emerging Teams' Asia Cup, it won't send its players to India for Asia Cup. The Emerging Teams' Asia Cup will now be co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with the latter set to host the majority of the matches. The tournament has, however, been shifted from April to December.
The ACC board also proposed to have the next annual general meeting in Lahore later this year.