Zimbabwe Cricket Union Media Release on players' remuneration for England tour

The Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) wishes to make the following statement concerning the article which appeared in the Herald today.

1) It is correct that the ZCU received certain requests from the players for increased remuneration prior to the English leg of the current tour.

2) Notwithstanding the fact that the players' remuneration was fixed in terms of contracts which continue until after the completion of the current English Tour, the ZCU agreed to give consideration to varying the contracts by increasing the players' remuneration.

3) 3 weeks ago the players demanded an immediate increase in remuneration, failing which they threatened to abort the tour and in the process the two Test Matches on the itinerary would not be played.

4) The situation was obviously that serious that the ZCU reacted immediately and sought to resolve it by discussion with the players who then indicated that they had engaged a solicitor in England, and that all discussions concerning their remuneration and the fate of the tour should take place with him.

5) Discussions immediately took place with the solicitor but as no progress was being made a delegation comprising the President, Peter Chingoka, the Chief Executive, Dave Ellman-Brown, and Alwyn Pichanick, a Life President of the ZCU, flew to London for discussions which were held over the weekend of 4 and 5 May.

6) A meeting was held in London on 6 May between the ZCU delegation, and the lawyer concerned Tim O'Gorman, and after protracted discussions an agreement was reached which was accepted unanimously by all the players.

7) The effect of the agreement was that a remuneration committee would be established comprising a representative of the players, who will be Andy Whittall, a representative of the ZCU, and an independent Chairman. The latter two positions have not yet been filled. Andy Whittall was involved in the latter part of the meeting which took place on 4 May.

8) On Sunday 5 May, the ZCU delegation attended the match against Sussex at Hastings and full and frank discussions took place with the players who all expressed their gratitude for the prompt action which had been taken in sending the delegation to England and also expressed their satisfaction that their remuneration would in future be dealt with by the committee mentioned above.

9) As a gesture of goodwill the ZCU made an interim award in the form of an increase in the match fees payable to the players.

P F CHINGOKA 20 MAY 2000

PRESIDENT ZIMBABWE CRICKET UNION