Zim Cricket moves second Test from Bulawayo

September 5, 2013

News Day

By News Day Reporter

5 September 2013

ZIMBABWE CRICKET (ZC) has moved the second Zong presents Haier Cup Test cricket match against Pakistan from Bulawayo to Harare because of logistical reasons, torching a heated debate on Twitter yesterday.

While ZC claims Queens Sports Ground is not in a condition to host the match, cricket fans believe this is just a way of starving Bulawayo of international cricket.

ZC said in a statement: “A final venue inspection of Queens Sports Club showed that it is not in a position to host the second and final Test match, which is scheduled to begin on Tuesday the 10th of this month.

“The host franchise, Tuskers, remains committed to hosting international matches at Queens and as ZC it is our practice to distribute matches between Harare and Bulawayo,” said ZC managing director Wilfred Mukondiwa.

He added: “The status of each tour will determine where to host the various matches.”

Former Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture David Coltart who, during his tenure in office directed that all national associations should spread international matches across the country, said yesterday: “Decision by Zimbabwe Cricket appears to indicate that ZC are going to starve Bulawayo of international cricket. Hope I’m proved wrong.”

Veteran cricket commentator Dean du Plessis waded into the conversation saying ZC must explain.

“And slowly, but surely, Bulawayo is being starved of all international cricket. Not good ZC, explain yourselves. Pathetic.”

Some said the statements were inflammatory to which Joe BlackZW replied: “What is inflammatory about saying that Bulawayo is being starved of international cricket? Facts.”

Mandlenkosi Mpofu said the decision left him feeling unZimbabwean. “Are they offering any reasons? or maybe the hotels in Harare pressed them to make their decision? I feel so unZimbabwean now.”

Barry Manandi tweeted: “The sooner we dump our Hararecentric mentality and become more national in thinking the sooner we move forward as a people! As Zimbabweans, we need to start having a national rather than regional perspective, while maintaining ethnic pride.”

Mike Madoda added: “Bulawayo/Matabeleland is such an emotional subject for many Zimbabweans — I wonder why. Victim mentality vs insensitivity.”