No half-measures
It's the thorniest issue of recent times: should Zimbabwe be allowed to continue as a Full Member of the ICC? We asked three notable voices
04-Jul-2008
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Ali Bacher
former captain and former managing director of the South African board
As far as I'm concerned, there should be no discussion: Zimbabwe should be isolated and banished from the international arena. And that's why I completely support the stands taken by the Cricket South Africa and the England and Wales Cricket Board.
former captain and former managing director of the South African board
As far as I'm concerned, there should be no discussion: Zimbabwe should be isolated and banished from the international arena. And that's why I completely support the stands taken by the Cricket South Africa and the England and Wales Cricket Board.
I say this because of what brought apartheid down in South Africa: it was the international isolation. The same thing must happen now with Zimbabwe. From all the reports I read and watch in the South African media, what is happening in Zimbabwe is genocide. People who say sport and politics is completely separate are being naïve.
Peter Roebuck
former Somerset captain, cricket writer
Suspending Zimbabwe from international cricket matches is merely the first step. The ICC should remove Zimbabwe Cricket's senior officers from all official positions, and withdraw all funding from ZC until it is properly constituted. Under the stewardship of Peter Chingoka and Ozias Bvute the game has floundered, with standards falling, fields overgrown, players paid a pittance and so forth. Huge sums of money have been wasted. Worse, ZC is the cricketing wing of a vicious government. Chingoka is a clever chameleon who has built a shameful but mutually beneficial link with senior Indian officials.
former Somerset captain, cricket writer
Suspending Zimbabwe from international cricket matches is merely the first step. The ICC should remove Zimbabwe Cricket's senior officers from all official positions, and withdraw all funding from ZC until it is properly constituted. Under the stewardship of Peter Chingoka and Ozias Bvute the game has floundered, with standards falling, fields overgrown, players paid a pittance and so forth. Huge sums of money have been wasted. Worse, ZC is the cricketing wing of a vicious government. Chingoka is a clever chameleon who has built a shameful but mutually beneficial link with senior Indian officials.
It goes far beyond politics. All contact with Zimbabwean cricket must end till both the state and cricketing regimes change (which will happen at the same time). But the ICC does not care about repression, money-laundering, bullying and the rest of it.
Ramiz Raja
former Pakistan batsman, commentator
I would rest them for a while - not for political reasons, though, but because they are not being able to compete with stronger teams. Their situation is not the same as Bangladesh, for instance, who are getting fresh talent. I wouldn't completely boycott Zimbabwe, but make them play against A sides, and only at home. I am not sure boycotting them is the complete solution.
former Pakistan batsman, commentator
I would rest them for a while - not for political reasons, though, but because they are not being able to compete with stronger teams. Their situation is not the same as Bangladesh, for instance, who are getting fresh talent. I wouldn't completely boycott Zimbabwe, but make them play against A sides, and only at home. I am not sure boycotting them is the complete solution.
Interviews by Nagraj Gollapudi and Sidharth Monga