Taylor absence highlights Zimbabwe's problems

The problems facing Zimbabwe Cricket as it struggles to retain players was highlighted with the announcement of a 44-man list of contracted players. The most notable absence was that of Brendan Taylor, the hero of the World Twenty20 win over Australia a year ago.

Confusion surrounds the decision. Trevor Mutangadura, the board's general manger, told the Standard that his omission was because he "left for England without signing a contract with ZC".

However, this contradicts what Cricinfo was told in June. In response to an article suggesting that Taylor was on the verge of walking out, the board sent a terse email stating that the report presented ZC as "an overbearing organisation that is unreasonably denying Taylor leave to play overseas ... nothing can be further from the truth."

It continued: "At the end of the season, the players are allowed to play in whichever country they accept an offer from, since ZC stands to benefit if the players remain exposed to a high level of play. We remain supportive of all our players and said as much in our letter of May 7 to Taylor, part of the last paragraph of which reads: 'We would therefore encourage you to complete your obligations as per the dates outlined and we remain supportive of whatever direction you so decide your career to take'."

The reasons also make little sense as sources state that Elton Chigumbura, Blessing Mahwire and Ed Rainsford are also in the UK and have not signed new contracts but are named in the list.

The confusion extended to new national coach Walter Chawaguta who told the Sunday News that he wasn't sure what the situation was with Taylor.

However, a ZC source told Cricinfo that there was a contract waiting for Taylor and that "he can come anytime and walk into the team".

There are suspicions that the public exclusion of Taylor is evidence that the hard-liners within the board who were behind the removal of Robin Brown, Chawaguta's predecessor, are flexing their muscles regarding team selection. It is believed that Brown clashed with them regarding the number of black players in the side, and the expectation is that Chawaguta will be far more amenable to their suggestions.

Zimbabwe contracted players Prosper Utseya (capt), Tatenda Taibu, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Hamilton Masakadza, Vusimusi Sibanda, Tawanda Mupariwa, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Keith Dabengwa, Raymond Price, Christopher Mpofu, Elton Chigumbura, Sean Williams, Edward Rainsford, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Timycen Maruma, Graeme Creamer, Taurai Muzarabani, Johnson Marumisa, Regis Chakabva, Friday Kasteni, Blessing Mahwire, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Alestair Maregwede, Eric Chauluka, Trevor Garwe, Admire Manyumwa, Steady Musoso, Alois Tichana, Patient Charumbira, Prosper Tsvanhu, Silent Mujaji, Philimoen Kadzitye, Samuel Mwakayeni, Forster Mutizwa, Mbekezili Mabuza, Bonaparte Mujuru, Michael Chinouya, Bothwell Chapungu, Tinashe Hove, Tendai Chisoro, Remembrance Nyathi, Stephen Nyamuzinga, Cephas Zhuwao, Bernard Mlambo.