anging; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto”>
Windies tour off
BY JAMES JONES
THE proposed West Indies ‘A’ July cricket tour of Zimbabwe has apparently been called off. This is according to the West Indies Players’ Association.
The WIPA has said its players will not undertake an A-team tour of Zimbabwe next month due to concerns over player safety and the continuing unstable political situation in the country. A statement issued by WIPA said that the West Indies board had been advised that it had reached a decision, “following intensive discussions with various stakeholders and likely selectees who have unanimously expressed deep concern about players’ safety and the continuing volatile situation existing in that country”.
They added, “While we at WIPA acknowledge the importance of the development of cricket, we are, nevertheless, firmly of the view that the safety of players in an unsettled environment is of paramount importance.”
Over the past few seasons, Zimbabwe cricket has claimed aborted visits by England and Australia – dominated by “white” players – that the cancellations were racially motivated. The fly in the ointment for Zimbabwe Cricket this time is now it’s a ‘black’ side which has now refused to tour as well, so the usual excuse of racism this time will fall on deaf ears.
Post published in:
Zimbabwe Sports News
