HARARE – ZIMBABWE Cricket on Tuesday revealed they were not in a financial position to pay their staff and thousands of dollars in outstanding salaries and allowances.
While ‘deeply regretting’ and ‘apologising unreservedly’ to all affected, explained that they were unaware of the stringent measures the International Cricket Council would introduce as part of the controlled spending when the board made the commitment to pay the salaries and match fees. This, ZC said, delayed the release of funds.
The board revealed that the ICC and Zimbabwe government have thrown them a lifeline, and also said the international cricket body is working with the board on an interim arrangement to hasten the payment process for the staff and players.
“While we are encouraged by this development, we understand the full impact that this late payment has on staff and players and their ability to pay their accounts, landlords and the like,” the board said in a statement.
“The ICC and the Government of Zimbabwe have thrown ZC a lifeline which all involved in cricket in Zimbabwe deeply appreciate. ZC and the ICC remain committed to working positively together to forge a sustainable cricket future. These stringent measures have been put in place to ensure good governance.
“So many people and organisations have shown patience and support during this turbulent time and ZC hopes this backing will be repaid as cricket in Zimbabwe is restored to financial and cricket health. The support given by the ICC and the Government of Zimbabwe gives ZC the opportunity to move forward with confidence. To achieve this, we need all involved in cricket to give their wholehearted backing as we go through this challenging period.”
The pay dispute resulted in several top Zimbabwe players – Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza, Graeme Cremer, Sean Williams and Craig Ervine – making themselves available for the recent limited-overs series against Australia and Pakistan.
In their absence, Zimbabwe were thrashed in the Twenty20 International tri-series, and swept 0-5 in the One-Day International series against Pakistan that followed.
