Taibu to resign as Zimbabwe captain

[ZoraxDoom]

The Zimbabwe crisis

Taibu to resign as Zimbabwe captain

Cricinfo staff

November 24, 2005


Tatenda Taibu has announced that he is to stand down as Zimbabwe captain and will inform Peter Chingoka, the board chairman, later today. He explained that he had told the media in advance so that he would not come under any pressure to stay on.

"I am doing this, 80% because of the current situation in Zimbabwe Cricket and 20% because I do not like the terms of my offered contract," he said. "The personal threats I have also had do not help."

Taibu also revealed that he was again threatened by the controversial Themba Mliswa this week while meeting Chingoka at a hotel in Harare. "As I was about to leave, he approached me and said 'you act like you don't know me ... you think this is over ... there is more coming'. I told him that I do not know him, and I never had respect for him. And as I walked towards my car, he continued saying things aloud, but I was not listening." It's been a busy week for Mliswa, who has also hit the headlines after one person died and another was taken to hospital following a fight at his Karoi Spring Farm.


Taibu said his fellow players had not agreed to him meeting Chingoka, but he had hoped he would salvage something from the discussion. After Chingoka had asked Taibu to put his concerns in writing, he told him that all concerns the players had were in the public statement read at the press conference a fortnight ago. "I told Chingoka that Bvute knew of these things. We had been trying to tell them about it, and they have been turning their backs."

Supporters of the Zimbabwe board have accused Taibu of being used, but he dismissed those suggestions. "I have got my own mind. I make my own decisions. I have managed to lead a young side in international cricket. Why should I allow myself to be tossed up now?"


Taibu has not signed his new contact with Zimbabwe Cricket, even though the board and the players reached an agreement last week. The delay has been caused by an issue regarding the exchange rate to be used in determining their remuneration, one which is outside the control of either party.

But Taibu's contract was supposed to cover details of the four-month sub-contact he is to sign with the Cape Town-based Cobras. The arrangement to play in South Africa was offered to Taibu - as well as to Andy Blignaut - through negotiations undertaken by the Zimbabwe board.

"The things I have asked for in South Africa are supposed to be added to the [Zimbabwe] contact. That was the initial agreement," Taibu told Cricinfo. "I had discussions with the MD [Ozias Bvute] that were unfruitful. I'm really not sure now if I can go to South Africa without signing my contact here."

? Cricinfo

!!!

This has gone too far! Zimbabweare a talented cricketing team, but should be stripped of playing all cricket because of the board. Maybe they should be eligible to play for South Africa, Taibu could find a spot...

 

[andrew_nixon]

It's amazing. The ICC jump when a player walks on the pitch, has wristbands that are too big or looks at the umpire a bit dodgy.

But when the sport is crumbling in one of their full member countries, they do f*ck all. (Excuse the strong lanuage, but it is most appropriate in this case)

When a player retires from test cricket at the age of 22, something is seriously wrong. The ICC needs to take it's head out of it's arse and do something. Now, the only solution for me is to hang Zimbabwe out to dry. Suspend them from the ICC completely. I've not been one to call for suspension based on playing standards, but this is way beyond that.

No downgrading to ODI status, or associate status, the game needs to wash it's hands of Zimbabwe until the situation is resolved.

Go down to 9 test nations, and give Zimbabwe's ODI status (and place in the next World Cup) to UAE (6th in the ICC Trophy).

If the ICC do not do something ASAP, then the game will become the laughing stock of world sport.

 

[ZoraxDoom]

UAE!

But seriously, whats wrong with them? Have a bat sticker too large, fined for NOT appealing(WTF?) or excessive appealing, its just stupid. And now these cricketers are being threatened to kill, its like the ICC is useless! Thats why its there in the first place, to avoid such incidents!!! Morons...

 

[Wicket Keeper]

He should go to South Africa as a test player. He was valued for the team! I can't believe Zimbabwe is nothing but a wasteland. First time watching their cricket on ESPN/Star Sports this year. Look like the team doesn't have fun anymore. A ghost town watching cricket! :sleep

 

[Jarryd]

He's welcome in Australia, especially in Victoria

 

[aussie1st]

This is a poor effort by the Zimbabwe board and the ICC. Why on earth they let Taibu retire this early is beyond me. Then those stupid ICC not doing anything about helping out Zimbabwe. We may as well just drop Zimbabwe from the test nations if the ICC isn't going to do anything.

 

[indiancricketer]

ZimB cricket need to learn to keep thier players...all the good players they had are leaving...this is not good... and for Taibu he would play good for S.A

 

[Sureshot]

And then he'd recieve even more death threats.

 

[andrew_nixon]

He's said he intends to play county cricket in 2006. Would be a great addition to any side. Will be interesting to see if he gets signed as a Kolpak player. 4 years, and we'll have him playing for England!

 

[aussie1st]

You English are desperate Not taking anything away from Taibu as he is a great keeper. Aus would have too many keepers so not a good idea to come to Aus unless he wants to play in a top domestic comp.
Taibu team mate in Ervine however is more than welcome to Australia.

 

[tassietiger]

He's said he intends to play county cricket in 2006. Would be a great addition to any side. Will be interesting to see if he gets signed as a Kolpak player. 4 years, and we'll have him playing for England!

He'd get in there via South Africa, then he'd fit in with a lot of your team.

In Australia you hear a lot about the NSW bias, just wondering, in England do they accuse the selectors of South African bias?

 

[andrew_nixon]

Well the ICC have once again said they won't get involved with Zimbabwe.

A couple of days ago, they fined Andre Nel for swearing.

So as far as the ICC is concerned, swearing is much worse than all a countries players refusing to play for the national team.

And we let this organisation run the sport?