Another Zimbabwean hit with ten-year ban

Earlier this month Cricinfo reported on an incident in a local match in Bulwayo when Bradley Ras, the captain of Metropolitan XI, was involved in a punch-up after he disputed an umpire's decision.

Cricinfo has now learned that Ras has been banned for ten years by the Bulawayo Metropolitan Cricket Association after the incident in a league match against Emakhandeni.

The bust-up occurred when Ras was adjudged to have gloved a bouncer. He pulled up the stumps at both ends and marched off, announcing that as captain he had decided to forfeit the match. Rather than calming down once he had left the field, he returned and struck the umpire as many as five times, according to witnesses, before being restrained by team-mates.

Ras is appealing against the ban but local sources believe he has little chance of success. However, he has a possible escape route as he has been given an option to pay a fine of $200,000 (US$800) to the BMCA which would allow him to resume playing.

Meanwhile, two other players who fought during another local match have been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing. Dumisani Mankunzini, who turns out for Bulawayo Athletic Club, is alleged to have reacted to being verbally abused by an opposition batsman by punching him, leading to a more general fight.