Board forced to revert to original five matches

Zimbabwe about turn on Kenya series

Steven Price in Harare

February 18, 2006

Ozias Bvute: © ZC

Zimbabwe had agreed to play Kenya in five ODIs, but last week this was reduced to three matches without explanation, and without the Kenyans even being consulted or notified. On Thursday, a source inside Zimbabwe Cricket said that Kenya would be given an ultimatum - accept the revisions or the tour would be cancelled. He added that this decision had come from Ozias Bvute, the board's managing director, although this cannot be confirmed.

But it is understood that Bvute, who was in Dubai for an executive meeting, was given a tough time over Zimbabwe's conduct and its complete failure to keep other boards advised of the situation. Earlier this month, ZC wrote to the ICC confirming the five matches and asking for ICC officials to be provided, so officials in Dubai were surprised at the about turn.

Bvute is reported to have claimed that the change was because ZC could not provide TV coverage for third-umpire decisions for five games. However, under ICC regulations, TV replays are not needed for ODIs where a Full Member plays an Associate, as is the case here.

Insiders believe that Zimbabwe are deeply worried that Kenya might win the series and so leapfrog them in the ICC ODI Rankings, thus depriving them of a place in the lucrative ICC Champions Trophy play-offs. ZC are also rumoured to be in deep financial trouble.

Kenya arrive in Zimbabwe on Thursday and will play two matches in Bulawayo and three in Harare. They have been training hard under their new coach, Roger Harper, and do not lack in experience. Zimbabwe, however, have only been together two weeks since the end of the player strike and contain few faces with any real international exposure. They are also under a coach, Kevin Curran, who they have not always seen eye to eye with.

This is a make-or-break series for both. But while Kenya are looking to prove that they can compete at the bottom end of the Full Member countries, and can live with any defeats, Zimbabwe, who suspended themselves from Test cricket last month, simply have to win to prove they have arrested the slide.

The two met last October when Kenya toured and played a side labelled Zimbabwe A, but one which containing most of their best players, such as Tatenda Taibu and Heath Streak. Kenya won 3-0. Since then, the player drain inside Zimbabwe has continued apace.

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