Zimbabwe players agree contracts ... but issues remain

Peter Chingoka: the players still want him to answer questions © Getty Images

The Zimbabwe players' representative, Clive Field, has said players will go on and sign the new contracts issued by the board on Monday.

Field confirmed that agreements on the new contracts had been agreed by finalized by both sides, although the rest of the grievances raised by the players last Thursday still stand.

"The original contracts had overlooked basic aspects," said Field. "We were still negotiating things like the injury clause and match fees, otherwise there has been no significant rectification annexed to the contracts."

Also added to the contracts was a payment system where players will be paid retainers at a respectable external value. Other issues tackled were players' safety, and the position of the players' representative.

"Over and above there are still governance issues that still have to be addressed," Field added. "The contacts are the basis on which to engage the board, and we have cleared that hurdle. The players are hoping that those issues will be resolved. The chairman [Peter Chingoka] responded to the public statement saying issues of governance is not the players' area. In a way he is right. But like we have said, when these things are having a marked effect on the players' performance, they not only have a duty, but a right to say act. I hope the provincial chairmen will make the board accountable and discuss those issues at the board meeting [proposed for Saturday]."

A total of 37 players were awarded contracts. Two were given international contracts, 14 signed senior deals and 21 junior contracts. Zimbabwe Cricket also agreed to pay overdue match fees for Tests and one-day internationals against New Zealand in August, and India in September, although there remain concerns about hoe much money the board actually has to meet its obligations.

International contracts T Taibu, A Blignaut.

Level One Senior E Chigumbura, P Utseya, D Hondo, B Taylor, D Ebrahim, H Masakadza, B Mahwire, V Sibanda, G Ewing, C Coventry, T Duffin, S Matsikenyeri, K Dabengwa, N Ferreira.

Level One Junior C Mpofu, G Cremer, A Mwayenga, W Mwayenga, T Panyangara, E Rainsford, T Mupariwa, C Chibhabha, S Williams, A Ireland, T Mufambisi, T Hove, T Mawoyo, H Matanga, C Ervine, I Nicholson, J Nyumbu, I Chinyoka, T Garwe, B Mlambo, R Bennett.