Zimbabwe in bid to lure back Taibu

Cricinfo has learned that Zimbabwe Cricket is making desperate last-ditch attempts to persuade Tatenda Taibu to play for them in the World Cup.

Although Taibu, who is playing for Namibia at the moment, was not included in the provisional 30-man squad, he could still be added as there is no obligation on boards to pick from within that group.

It is understood that while Zimbabwe Cricket is strapped for cash, it has reached a deal with one of its sponsors whereby they will pay the arrears owed to Taibu which is believed to be the main reason the player is refusing to return.

Taibu walked out in November 2005 after receiving threats against him and his family during a stand-off between the country's players and the board. At the time he walked away he was owed tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid match fees and these have never been handed over.