tional Series at Harare Sports Club
Cricket fans bemoan blackout
HARARE – The Zimbabwe v Bangladesh cricket game was marked by controversy when commentators questioned the lack of coverage.
Martin Williamson, managing editor of Cricinfo, wrote, “In Harare today, there was a full ODI taking place between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. While it might not have had the appeal of other major one-dayers, it was still, according to the ICC’s own rankings, a game between two Full Member countries who are ranked in the world’s top ten.
“And yet for long periods the match was played out in virtual secrecy. There was no television coverage, no media updates, no live scores. The only people who knew what was happening were the few hundred die-hards inside Harare Sports Club. “Cricinfo was – understandably – inundated with complaints. However, as with all other major media outlets, we were powerless to do anything.”
He blamed the Information Ministry for blocking coverage. “Not only do they insist on vetting anyone who wants to report from the country, but they demand a US$600 fee for issuing accreditation.
“The second option was to send someone from inside the country. Not as easy as it sounds, as many reporters have had their accreditation withdrawn, travelling is now made hard by crippling fuel shortages, while others are just plain scared.”
Television coverage was also affected when Zimbabwe Cricket could not guarantee payments. – Sports Reporter
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News