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Kiwis mustn't fear touring Zimbabwe |
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July 30, 2000
HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) - New Zealand cricketers need not fear for their safety when they tour politically troubled Zimbabwe in September, the cricket union said at its annual meeting Saturday. New Zealand are due to play two Tests and three one-day matches in Harare and Bulawayo, plus two other games in small towns during the five-week tour. Zimbabwe Cricket Union chief executive David Ellman-Brown said New Zealand's tour would proceed "unless it becomes clear there may be a danger to the tour party." Violence on Zimbabwe's farms and its impact on the rest of the country is assessed on a day-to-day basis and New Zealand is frequently advised, he said. "New Zealand have not closed the door on the tour, and neither have we," Ellman-Brown said. The announcement of a three-Test tour to Zimbabwe by India next May, a one-day series against India and West Indies immediately following and a three-Test series against West Indies, all stretching into July, indicates cricket authorities' confidence in the game's future here despite political turmoil. The ZCU, headed by President Peter Chingoka with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe serving as patron, also has a budget surplus for the first time, thanks to TV and sponsorship income from the 1999 World Cup and an England tour. The Zimbabwe cricket team had a poor 1999 season, losing six of eight Tests and drawing the other two. Out of 27 internationals, Zimbabwe won only four. Play this year has been much better. But Zimbabwe will not have the services of all-rounder Neil Johnson, whose contract is not being renewed, and top order batsman Murray Goodwin says he intends to return to Western Australia. Former ZCU president Alwyn Pichanick has recommended resuming talks with Goodwin, "despite his occasional disciplinary problems." |