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Rebels prepared to end careers

Friday, May 7 2004

The crisis that hit Zimbabwean cricket as a result of Heath Streak's sacking, and the subsequent stand-off between the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) and 15 white players, seems to be nearing an end, although unfortunately, as the 'rebels' have said that they will tear up their contracts if the officials do not meet their demands by the end of Friday (today).

The players have demanded an independent arbitration, in order to have their grievances heard. However, the ZCU have blatantly refused the demand.

The ZCU officials too have given the players a similar deadline, if not pertaining to which, they will sack the players.

Grant Flower, who over the past few days has become a spokesman for the players, said yesterday, "If they do not respond positively, then all of us will cancel our contracts by tomorrow evening. We suspect the ZCU has something to hide."

Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has criticised this decision of the players. The president Ehsan Mani has said, "If the rebels believe that walking out will result in other countries interfering in Zimbabwean cricket, they have been badly advised. I am not going to pass comment on the rights and wrongs of what has happened in this case but what is clear is that by walking out on their team-mates, the rebels have placed Tatenda Taibu and his team in an invidious position. I am concerned that even if an agreement is now reached, this tactic of walking out on their team-mates could irreparably split the dressing room, making a lasting solution even more difficult to find."

Mani aslo added that he had offered the two sides the services of chief executive Malcom Speed as a mediator, however the ZCU had refused it.

If the 'rebel' players do quit international cricket, they would have to look overseas as a way of continuing their careers. Unfortunately though, only three of the fifteen have been guaranteed some sort of role with cricket for the summer.

Heath Streak is set to join Warwickshire, Grant Flower has signed with Lashings – a Kent-based celebrity side – and Trevor Gripper is playing for Cranleigh in Surrey. The other 12 are most likely to have no income from cricket, although all of them did have part-time jobs, which could take a full-time role.

Posted by Sudeep