Zimbabwe board doubles number of central contracts

Zimbabwe Cricket has doubled the number players on central contracts following the financial boost resulting from the World Cup, while the board is set to receive another windfall for participation at this month's inaugural ICC World Twenty20. ZC had 10 players on central contracts for the year ending on August 31, 2007.

The issuing of contracts to the players has, however, not been painless and one senior player, Elton Chigumbura, who had been placed in the B category, angrily demanded a better deal on August 30, the day he was offered the contract document.

Chigumbura, Zimbabwe's best allrounder at the moment, has been promised a review of the terms of his contract amid fear that disgruntlement among the players could trigger yet another rebellion in the wake of recent disputes over pay.

The central contracts, which determine the players' salaries and perks, are split into four categories, with the top grade - which was only offered national team captain Prosper Utseya - being A+. The second highest, which has three players is Grade A, while Grade B has eight players, with six players in Grade C.

Below is the full list of the contracted players and their classes.

A+: Prosper Utseya

A: Tatenda Taibu, Gary Brent, Vusimuzi Sibanda.

B: Edward Rainsford, Hamilton Masakadza, Terrence Duffin, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Sean Williams, Tawanda Mupariwa, Elton Chigumbura, Christopher Mpofu.

C: Brendan Taylor, Chamu Chibhabha, Keith Dabengwa, Tino Mawoyo, Graeme Cremer, Timycen Maruma.