No agreement despite partial concessions

The crisis in Zimbabwean cricket has escalated with the news that 13 of the country's top white cricketers are refusing to make themselves available for the forthcoming one-day series against Sri Lanka, despite the ZCU agreeing to a partial restructuring of the national selection panel.

The dispute, which began when Heath Streak was relieved of the captaincy and replaced by the 20-year-old wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu, reached its climax on Wednesday as Streak and 12 other players released a six-page document outlining their grievances.

The statement detailed specific instances of interference in selection, including an incident in which Mark Vermeulen, a white batsman, was offered "a double match fee, not to play" in a one-day international for which he'd already been selected, so that Stuart Matsikenyeri could play instead. The statement also named a black journalist, Mehluli Sibanda, who the players claim received telephone threats [not to side with Streak] from a member of the board.

The publication of the document was intended to embarrass the ZCU into a climbdown, and to some extent it has worked, with a new four-man selection panel being nominated - consisting of Stephen Mangongo (convenor), Max Ebrahim, Richie Kaschula and Mpumulelo Mbangwa. Mbangwa had been personally endorsed by Streak as an knowledgeable former Test player, while the other new addition to the panel, Kaschula, was a spinner for Rhodesia in the 1970s.

But for the 13 players concerned, the reforms are not sufficient, and according to their lawyer Chris Venturas, Mbangwa has not even been contacted about his new role. "The ZCU is still not tackling this affair in a proper manner," said Venturas. "The whole thing is a mess. The players feel there is still work to be done, and they are all feeling very frustrated."

The Sri Lanka tour is due to get underway on April 20, but at this rate Zimbabwe may not be able to produce a team worthy of international status.