Olonga, Flower, Pycroft Quit
Saturday, March 15 2003
Zimbabwean Cricket has this week witness the retirements and resignations of three of its central figures.
Selector, and former International batsman, Andy Pycroft resigned earlier this week saying "there had been a lack of consultation and communication with his fellow selectors"
Claims have since come to light that Pycroft, 46, who played 3 Tests and 20 ODIs for Zimbabwe, resigned after a vehement disagreement over the selection of the out-of-sorts Dion Ebrahim for the match against New Zealand. It has been suggested that Ebrahim was only selected because of his colour rather than ability or form - and following the farcical selection of Stuart Matsikenyeri for the match against Sri Lanka, it seems that this may be a valid point.
Zimbabwe's one true World Class batsman Andy Flower, Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2002, retired from International Cricket following the defeat to Sri Lanka, and was followed by Henry Olonga. Both players wore a black armband in protest at the "death of democracy" under Robert Mugabe's tyrannous regime, and Olonga was only picked once again, even having injured players chosen ahead of him. Olonga claims to have been the victim of death threats since his brave protest.
This battery of scandals could well result in major difficulties for Zimbabwean cricket. With Flower and Olonga gone, the only true class remaining is Grant Flower and Heath Streak, both of who cannot have much time left in their careers - for more than one reason.
For Zimbabwe's young cricketers there are tough times ahead. Whether they remain inside the ICC umbrella, however, remains to be seen.
Posted by Neil
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