Bat and ball / Paul Moon / 13 October 2009 /

As the question of whether Zimbabwe should be granted Test status resurfaces, Paul Moon gives us an update on what's going on behind the scenes and whether their return to the five day game is a good idea.

The policy of the ICC decrees that cricket will only develop as a genuinely international sport if all ICC members play each other regularly. Cricketing nations have a duty to promote the game globally and give positive assistance wherever possible. It is imperative that cricket continues to develop as much in the ICC's so-called lesser nations as in its superpowers. More so, even.

Just rationale suggests politics and sport should be kept separate and whilst the controversial President Mugabe continues to contaminate all things Zimbabwean, we should use sport to bring down barriers and not erect them. So, does cricket need Zimbabwe as a full member of the ICC at this time? Regretfully the answer is no!

There are several areas of concern before re-admittance should be considered. Zimbabwe's cricket authorities have been embroiled in controversy for several years. Corruption allegations proliferate and millions of pounds provided by the ICC need accounting for. ZC chairman Peter Chingoka and managing director Ozias Bvute (who has no discernible background in cricket) have been barred from ICC meetings where their political undertones and ruthless friends are in direct contrast to the well-being of the game of cricket.

It was Bvute who forcibly removed Henry Olonga from the Zimbabwe team bus after the black-armband protest during the 2003 World Cup. He glories in his political links and associates and is regarded as the real power inside Zimbabwe cricket. He led the outrageous purge of white and Asian players and administrators, as well as the removal of anyone unsympathetic to his own beliefs.

There has been proof that the accounts of ZC have been falsified. Both Chingoka and Bvute have constantly changed their explanations for various transactions despite the ICC's code of ethics, which states that each director shall act in an honest and ethical manner.

A commitment to help Zimbabwe cricket develop must remain on the table irrespective of the legitimacy to Mugabe's government and its tentacles. The cowardly ICC needs to act more decisively, firstly by dropping those insidious claims that ZC is apolitical and then surgically removing the offending elements. To help themselves ZC should then hold a transparent internal enquiry (independently witnessed) before resolving the selection and finance crisis. Only then can the situation be honestly appraised.

Other reasons for non-admittance include their reduced competitiveness. The calendar is already full with cricketers whinging about burn out and more meaningless matches offer nothing to Test cricket. It is a turn-off. Chairman of selectors Alastair Campbell foolishly claims they can be ready to compete in two to three years. On what information was that decision based?

Regretfully, Campbell refuses to apologise on ZC's behalf for the despicable handling of selection with affirmative action claiming it had to be done to help 13 million black people. He claimed it was just the 'manner' in which the policy was implemented that caused the problem. He did admit to cricketing decisions being made by non-cricketers causing difficulties. One senses he missed an opportunity with a better choice of words but perhaps sleeping with the enemy makes it is difficult to say what he really thinks.

There appears to be a tiny step in the right direction including the appointment of two additional members to the national selection panel in David Mutendera and John Rennie, both ex-cricketers. It is believed that Ray Price has been invited to contribute and that former captain Heath Streak is close to being appointed head coach of the national team.

A brave new vision needs to come from within ZC to help filter, cleanse and purify but that will not be easy with certain personnel hovering in the shadows. Will the ICC step up to the plate and help? After all they are the governing body! I doubt it somehow.

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