ZCU refutes 'political cleansing' claims

Peter Chingoka, the chairman of the Zimbabwe Cricket Union, today refuted continued claims that the Zimbabwe team in the UK has been "politically cleansed".

Responding to an article in London's Observer newspaper on Sunday, Mr Chingoka said: "It is both insulting and inaccurate to suggest that this Zimbabwe squad has been politically vetted, as has been suggested throughout the tour by protest groups and now by the Observer newspaper.

"I denied this slur when we arrived in the UK on the first of May, and have stated on many occasions since that the squad's selection is based on the identification of young talent and future cricketing potential.

"The ZCU would prefer not to dignify these unpleasant claims with a public response of this nature. But as the same misinformation continues to be circulated it is important to set the record straight, for the benefit of the team and the many thousands of fans who have followed this tour as genuine cricket-lovers."

Mr Chingoka continued: "ZCU selectors were solely responsible for the makeup of this squad. It was chosen without political intervention. Zimbabwe cricket is in a transitional stage and the basis for selection was the identification of talent and potential for the future, as has been the case with several other international teams since the end of the World Cup.

"The only player not in the squad who we believe would have merited inclusion is Andy Flower, a world-class performer. Recent players who have criticised the team should look at their own performances over an extended period of time as the real reason they were not selected," said Mr Chingoka, the Zimbabwe cricket board's most senior official.

Looking ahead to this week's second Test match at the Riverside, in Durham, Mr Chingoka commented: "We have been made very welcome everywhere on this tour. The healthy attendances at the Lord's Test match demonstrated that the majority of cricket followers support the right of this team to play in the UK.

"We understand and respect the right of individuals to make their views known by peaceful means. What I find very disappointing is that one protest group has reportedly threatened to disrupt this match with what they describe as 'chaos and mayhem on the pitch at Chester-le-Street'."