Taibu miffed with kit controversy

Tatenda Taibu, who this week was dropped from the Zimbabwean side as a result of a dispute over his kit, believes there are deliberate attempts to oust him from the scene.

"I was very puzzled to hear from (chairman of selectors) Kenyon Ziehl that I had been dropped simply because of kit - which, mind you, includes helmets, pads and bats," Taibu told the Independent.

"When we left Bangladesh I was told the kit would be in Kenya. It never arrived. When we came back (to Zimbabwe) I was told it would come to Zimbabwe - but I later found it wasn't true."

Taibu has already been appearing in court after being charged with assault on a ZC employee, and the latest controversy has left him suspicious. "I will wait to hear the truth, because I think something is happening outside the kit issue," he said. "If someone is trying to frustrate me they will not win - because I will always be available to play for my country. I will not pull out."

An unnamed Zimbabwe Cricket source told the Zimbabwean daily that Taibu was a victim of his own arrogance. "The selectors were forced to use someone else for the matches against Kenya in Mombasa and Nairobi, because Taibu said it would be unprofessional for him to use someone else's kit," said the source. "So he missed all five matches against Kenya because he insisted on using only his kit and unfortunately it did not arrive from Bangladesh.

"It then doesn't make sense that the same player now alleges that he is being ill-treated. Is it because the team is now going to India - which is much better than Kenya?"

A disappointed Taibu said he would continue to perform to the best of his ability and would remain available for selection. "Any game is welcome, especially now when we don't play the top teams often. The more you play the more you improve, and by sitting at home I won't take part in the evolution of the sport."

The Zimbabwean squad left for India to participate in the domestic Deodhar Trophy - they lost their first match - and Zimbabwe A wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva has replaced Taibu in the side.