Peter Chingoka, the long-standing chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket, has claimed that racism remains a major problem in the sport and has in certain areas actually grown worse in recent years.

In a statement issued last week, Chingoka said that at the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Australia last August white batsmen alleged that blacks were bowling bouncers at them in the nets and black bowlers countered that white fielders were reluctant to cut off runs made off their deliveries.

Chingoka has called a stakeholders' conference to discuss the situation straight after the tour of the Caribbean.

"There have been reports of black and white players using separate buses on senior team tours," he said. "Our domestic leagues have not been spared either, as there has been a marked increase in the number of disciplinary hearings initiated by allegations of racism.

"In view of the unfolding media debate and the unacceptable incidents referred to above, it would appear that there is still some progress to be made in addressing the imbalances of the past and re-integrating the sport to accommodate all Zimbabweans, regardless of colour, social background or gender.

"Cricket is a game for all and we have no reservations in saying that discrimination, where it is proved to exist, and whether brought about intentionally or as a result of other factors, should not be tolerated in any way or form."

In recent weeks there has also been a stand-off between ZC and the Sports and Recreation Committee over who should be eligible to be a national selector.