Anthony Ireland in Zimbabwe colours ... but no more © AFP Enlarge

Ireland, who at 22 is an up-and-coming talent, the kind Zimbabwe cannot afford to lose, explained that the way the contracts were forced on players shortly before the World Cup was the final straw.

"Just before we left we were summoned to a meeting with Ozias Bvute [the board's managing director]," he told Cricinfo from his Khumalo home in Bulawayo. "When we got to his office, we were told that we had to sign new contracts. All the players quickly signed, but I asked for time to talk to a few people about the terms of the contract. Bvute said I had five minutes to make up my mind, and threatened to have me replaced in the World Cup squad if I refused. I had no choice but to sign.

"That's one of the reasons why I decided to retire after the World Cup ... I cannot work with such people"

Ireland, who will be leaving for England next Wednesday, said that he signed the contract so that he could play in the World Cup, but that he had already made up his mind about signing a Kolpak deal with Gloucestershire. He added that Bvute had made it clear that the players would not be allowed to take time off to play cricket abroad during Zimbabwe's winter.