Cricket boss breathes fire
ZIMBABWE Cricket chairman, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, has promised that there will be consequences for the national team’s performance.
The Chevrons, two weeks before Zimbabwe host the International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament are putting up a pathetic show against Afghanistan on neutral territory in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. With four matches played and one to go tomorrow, Afghanistan have already won the series as they lead Zimbabwe 3-1.
Results being posted by the country’s national team have everyone involved in the game worried as that poor form can continue into a crucial World Cup Qualifier where only two teams out of the 10 will qualify for next year’s World Cup to be staged in England.
Mukuhlani said as custodians of the game they had done everything to ensure the national team gets all the game time they needed ahead of the World Cup Qualifier. He challenged the players, coaches and players to play their part to complement the board’s efforts.
“The board has done everything humanly possible to get them prepared. We sent them to South Africa on a bilateral tour. We sent them on a triangular series in Bangladesh and now they are playing Afghanistan. We made sure they play the Qualifier in Zimbabwe so they can enjoy home advantage. We organised an A side tour so that they can see other players. The players must play their part, the coaches and selectors should play their part,’’ Mukuhlani said.
He did not mince his words, declaring that the results being posted by the Chevrons were not acceptable and those involved in producing the appalling outcomes will pay heavily for that.
“The results are deplorable, embarrassing, unacceptable and we are concerned. The board does not get involved in selection. The best players must be selected, the statistics are there for everyone. Everyone should know that there will be consequences for bad results, we are not going to tell them how the batting order should be and how the bowling should be,’’ said Mukuhlani.
Convener of the selection panel, Tatenda Taibu did not respond to questions on the team selection which is a contentious issue. Taibu has been accused of leaving out players who are in form like explosive batsman Cephas Zhuwao while sticking with those who are struggling to deliver.
Yesterday, coach Heath Streak, who was upbeat at the start of the tour to UAE, conceded that the team had found the going tough against the Afghanistan bowlers. He was, however, optimistic that they will do well at home during the Qualifier.
“We have struggled in challenging conditions versus Afghan bowlers. I know our boys will bounce back especially in our home conditions during the World Cup Qualifier,’’ said Streak.
The former national team skipper is under immerse pressure to ensure that Zimbabwe qualify for the World Cup to guarantee his stay in the job he was given in October 2016.
Meanwhile, West Indies will become the first country to arrive rive in Zimbabwe for the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier when they land in Harare arare this afternoon. The two-time 50 over world champions are in group where they hey will take on Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Netherlands and United Arab Emirates at Harare Sports Club as well as Old Hararians. West Indies, es, led by Jason Holder have chosen a strong squad with veteran an Christopher Gayle in the team. — @Mdawini_29