By Sizalobuhle “Busobenja” Khumalo
Some former Zimbabwe Cricket players have chided the International Cricket Council (ICC) for siding with greedy Zimbabwe Cricket Board (ZCB) members, throwing their weight behind the Sports Recreation Commission (SRC) following the ICC decision to suspend Zimbabwe.
This comes amidst revelations that the top four executive members of ZCB by April this year were earning a cumulative whooping USD$53 000, with the highest paid being Givemore Makoni who takes home USD$20,862.00.
Makoni, who is the Head Cricket Affairs, is also the Acting Managing Director.
Breaking the silence on the matter, Henry Olonga, said that “now we know why (Tavengwa) Mukuhlani and crew are holding on. Cricket gives them very nice salaries for pen pushing. ICC has sadly chosen to side with greedy executives and not players in Zimbabwe. Players paid peanuts and ICC siding with a board that is milking it.”
Olonga went on to bemoan why the ICC was turning a blind eye on the mismanagement of the Zimbabwe Cricket.
“The custodians of the great game, ICC, sadly turn a blind eye to mismanagement and greed in Zim Cricket and it's not the first time. Just not cricket! Years ago, ICC money was abused by Odzias Bvute and Peter Chingoka through Metbank?”
Former Zimbabwe Cricket Captain, Tatenda TAIBU has said he stands with SRC at this darkest hour.
“So the decision was made by ICC to suspend Zimbabwe. SRC, you have my utmost backing for your stand against the suspended corrupt board. May God grant you the required wisdom to deal with the situation.”
Taibu further described the SRC board as reputable. “The Minister of Sport, Kirsty Coventry has in place a reputable independent Zimbabwe SRC board chaired by a fine gentleman, Mr Gerald Mlotswa, who lifted our Rugby Union from the dumps. A board that can and will clean out the corruption in cricket.”
