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ZCU gives rebels another deadline

Saturday, May 15 2004

The Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) has given the fifteen rebel players 21 days from today within which to return to practice sessions, and make themselves available for selection, if they wish to be re-instated.

The ZCU had earlier terminated contracts of all the fifteen players, after they claimed that the players were in a 'breach of contract' for not making themselves available to play by May 7.

In a statement released today, the board said, "For the avoidance of any doubt and for the sake of the game of cricket, we are giving the players another chance to comply."

However, the ZCU has now refused even to offer mediation to the players, to have their demands heard.

Meanwhile, one of the rebels, all-rounder Sean Ervine, has most likely retired from the game.

Ervine left Zimbabwe for Australia yesterday, and no one is sure if and when he will be returning. According to reports, he plans to spend some time with his girlfriend (current Zimbabwean coach Geoff Marsh's daughter) in Perth.

While there has been no official announcement of a retirement, speculation is high that Ervine has called it quits.

Grant Flower, who over the major part of the controversy looming over Zimbabwean cricket, has been of a spokesperson for the rebels, has also expressed confusion over Ervine's status.

Posted by Sudeep