Media Release: Media reports concerning racism in cricket

The Zimbabwe Cricket Union is concerned at the reports made in the daily newspapers on 19 October 2001regarding racism in cricket. The Zimbabwe Cricket Union is committed to implementing the recommendations of the Task Force as laid out in their report.

The reports emanating from remarks made by Alistair Campbell have been discussed with him and the Zimbabwe Cricket Union is in the process of setting up a Board of Inquiry to look into the alleged statements made by Alistair Campbell. The findings of the Board of Inquiry will be made public once a conclusion on this matter has been reached.

Reports in the media on 17 October 2001 , claim that the Zimbabwe players had not been paid for the past six weeks neither had they received contracts for the current year.

The Zimbabwe Cricket Union wishes to state that contracted players are paid monthly in addition six monthly payments are made regarding tours to Zimbabwe in terms of the Independent Remuneration Committee recommendations. These payments have been made to all contracted players.

Regarding contracts for the current year players have received contracts for the current year which include monthly retainers, match fees and bonuses as recommended by the Independent Implementation Committee.

The Union awaits the return of the signed contracts.

D A ELLMAN-BROWN
Managing Director