TNT Sports
Rebels maintain stance
By
Published 20/05/2004 at 12:43 GMT+1
Five Zimbabwe rebels have refused to play in the first test against Australia after being picked, one of the players said on Thursday. They have informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) of their position, he told reporters. The ICC votes on Friday
Eurosport
Image credit: TNT Sports
Media reports on Thursday said the 18-man squad for the match, due to start in Harare on Saturday, would include Heath Streak, Andy Blignaut, Trevor Gripper, Ray Price and Stuart Carlisle.
The Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) has yet to release the squad. ZCU media manager Lovemore Banda said there was no indication of when the squad would be announced.
One of the rebels, who declined to be named, confirmed that the five had been selected and that they would withdraw.
"They did include us in a squad of 18 players, probably knowing that the five of us would pull out anyway," the player said.
"We are not playing in the test series, that's how it stands."
The status of the series is in jeopardy because of the poor performances of the inexperienced side Zimbabwe fielded in their home series against Sri Lanka. The visitors won both tests by an innings and the one-day series 5-0.
The Australians are likely to return home if the matches are not recognised as tests.
The rebel said ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed had been informed of the latest developments.
"We've just called him, and he is very aware of what's happening," the player said.
The five rebels are part of a group of 15 who have made themselves unavailable pending the ZCU's commitment to binding arbitration on Streak's removal from the captaincy, the composition of the selection panel and the alleged poor conduct of board officials.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement