1) Ashwell Prince Exposing player discrimination

Ashwell Prince has come-up with a series of revelations on 10th July, due to the on-going debate within the South African ranks over Lungi Ngidi. Former left-arm batsman alleged that the black players within the South African team were often blamed for the national team’s loss in the world cups. He quoted,

“Black players drink too much on a flight, it’s all over the media. White player urinates over the balcony of a team hotel, with several onlookers, it’s swept under the carpet”

Ashwell also revealed the team management’s lack of seriousness over the racial abuse on black South African players during the team’s tour of Australia in 2005. He quoted the response of team management when he complained about racial abuse:
“Ah it’s only some people in the crowd, not the majority, let’s get back out there.”
Ashwell says that there are many more examples of this and that he will probably include it in a book one day.

2) The Monkey-gate Incident

The incident occurred in 2008, during the second test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney. Off-spinner from India, Harbhajan Singh was allegedly involved in a racial slur. Andrew Symonds reported the veteran spinner from India had called him ‘Monkey’ on the field.  Harbhajan was charged for a level 3 offense of racial abuse against Symonds. After the test match finished he was banned from 3 test matches.

3) Usman Khwaja on Racism and Discrimination in Cricket Australia

Pakistani-born Australian test opener, Usman Khwaja, revealed the ugly truth of discrimination and racism he had to face while coming through the ranks of the Australian domestic circuit. He said,
“Being racially vilified actually made me stronger in many respects. I even had a couple of kids try to fight me one day heading home from school. For no reason either! They were in my class one second and the school bell rang — the next minute I’m just about to leave the gates of my school and they are having a go at me,”

He remembers being called a ‘curry muncher’ which, he says, was particularly hurtful. But just like the saying “Sticks and stones” this only made him stronger.

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The Chevrons

Zimbabwe cricket team has seen many ups and downs throughout cricket. From their peak time in the late 90s and early 2000s till the middle of 2019 when they got their first suspension-they appear to have been living with uncertainty and far greater administrative issues. Cricket Zimbabwe was a team to beat once upon a time. A team that had players like Andy Flower, Grant Flower, Heath Streak, Alastair Campbell, Neil Johnson, and many others, it was full of competitiveness and exciting to watch.  

Unfortunately, things have changed. The cricket board from Southern Africa had many issues, including financial problems, players’ lack of trust in the administration, the Kolpak deal, and anything else in between.  

Financial Issues 

Financial and economic issues are not only a problem for the Zimbabwean cricket board, but the aggrieving issue is also being faced by their government. Lack of funds for the cricket board being released by their government is meager and does not meet the financial needs of the players.  

This results in lower wages and salaries for the cricketers being involved with Zimbabwe Cricket Board. An example, during 2015 World Cup campaign, the Zimbabwe Cricketers earned a total sum of 250 Australian Dollars each for their 10 matches. In comparison, Australian cricketers got 5600 USD each per match in the same World Cup. This is the reason why Zimbabwean cricketers are often seen protesting against their cricket board, calling for an increase in their wages. We see match boycotts and often threats, to end their career with the Zimbabwean Cricket Board.  

Lack of trust between players and the Zimbabwe cricket board 

The financial friction between the board and the Zimbabwean cricketers lead to disputes and boycotts. Constant pay-cuts and delayed salaries that have even extended over a whole year and beyond irritate the players. Cricketers filled with mistrust and agony are often seen protesting against the board. In 2003 World Cup, England was set to play Zimbabwe in Harare.  England players were worried for their safety when players received death threats from an organisation called “The Sons and daughters of Zimbabwe” A year later 13 of the senior white players of team quit is a dispute over selection policy. 

The debt grew to $18 million and the board not could not pay its player, but had to make shorter contracts and less play time. 

The Kolpak Deal 

The Kolpak Deal haunts many of the cricket playing nations. Especially countries that pay low wages to their players are often seen as victims. Cricketers from Zimbabwe are no exception in this case as a few of their cricketers had signed this deal, and they vowed to not represent their team again. Notable names from Zimbabwe who signed the Kolpak deal are: Brendon Taylor (2015-2017), Grant Flower (2004-2010), and Murray Goodwin (2005).  

It is hard to see cricket nations going backward like this. Wealthy cricket boards and the ICC should offer their helping hands to the boards in need of it. This will result in the gentleman’s game progress in every cricket playing nation, and fans get to see their favorite teams in their respective colors.  

The Future 

It is not curtain’s just yet for Zimbabwe, news has come about that the debt is slowly being managed carefully. After taking loans and restructuring, the load has somewhat lifted. It is not just the financial burden is lifted; the players spirits have also been lifted. They are standing strong and committing themselves to their flag and the game. Raza Sikandar plays in the CPL and is very excited about it. Tendai Chatara is back after a bicep injury and is roaring to start domestic cricket. There were a few games in the pipeline before a massive hurdle called Covid-19 came around. Zimbabwe had India, Ireland and Australia planned before the pandemic. The team has all been tested and thankfully the results are negative. The board is trying to arrange a series with Afghanistan on home ground. The application is pending approval. 

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