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Date: 4/7/2008
Author: Paul Stafford
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Unfortunately my predictions regarding the Zimbabwe situation were proved to be totally correct. With a vote at the top table and with Chingoka siding with the Asian block at all times means the power base of World cricket remains with India. When you read Andy Flower's and Henry Olonga's brave statement at the 2003 World Cup(reproduced in my column) and compare their courage with the ICC's you realise that the ICC make the English FA look good.
The situation in Zimbabwe has deterioted since 2003 and Zimbabwe cricket is now in the control of the government. The Mugabe government's only way to keep the economy running is literally to keep printing money. How valuable is millions of pounds of television money all in US Dollar currency at the moment? Can the ICC give any assurances that the money is all used to support Zimbabwe cricket?
These are tough times for all the people of Zimbabwe not just the cricketers and the ICC have had ample opportunities over the last number of years to show moral leadership and have spurned them all. In the great scheme of things expelling Zimbabwe from the ICC would have little immediate impact to the Mugabe regime but would send out a clear message that the cricket and sporting worlds cannot continue having a civilised relationship with a country guilty of such abuses of human rights.
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Date: 4/7/2008
Author: Kevin D. O'Herlihy
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Good luck to the four sides Pembroke, Rush, Merrion and Phoenix in the The LHW Alan Murray 20/20 Finals day at Sydney Parade on Sunday.
From a neutral point of view it's great to see afinal's day that does not include North County, Clontarf, Railway Union or The Hills.
Hopefully the weather will not be too bad.
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Date: 4/7/2008
Author: Ryan McCarter
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20/20 Squad
I would assume the non inclusion of Jeremy Bray in this format brings the curtain down on his Ireland career, which is a shame for argubly our most effctive batsman.
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Date: 4/7/2008
Author: mike
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Kevin and Dan
You make some very good points. I think the idea of bringing bank Johnston sends the wrong message to the rest of the lads. How do you think the likes of Sterling and Strydom feel having played in all the tough fixtures all season and now lose their place to someone who opted out earlier in the season.
John, I think Poynter has plenty to prove. His record is not that good
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Date: 4/7/2008
Author: John
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20/20 squad raises more questions than it answers... ignoring the issue of Porterfield's availability briefly, what is the story with Strydom?? I would have thought he was built with 20/20 in mind, fast scoring aggressive batsman like that... I'd actually pick him against the slow scoring (yet more solid) Porterfield in matches when a big score is being chased and a fast start is required. Andrew Poynter's omission is also odd, a talented composed batsman who can pace a chase to perfection... and I would have thought a standby for Eaglestone should be a bowler? Peter Connell has been far from convincing so far in the shorter forms of the game, yet his position is secure?
Bizarre... but still, good for debate!!!!!
Can anyone confirm if there are now three places open to the associates for the 20/20 WC with the withdrawal of Zimbabwe? And does the team that qualifies in the final slot get no appearence fee, as Zimbabwe collect it for doing nothing?!
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Date: 4/7/2008
Author: Niall Morrissey
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Gus, I can't help feeling that the decision was part of some deal cibbled up between the English and the Pakistanis. It wouldn't surprise me to hear that the Pakistanis pulled some stroke with the Zimbabze delegation, and persuaded them towards the compromise we see.
As the article on the main site shows, there may now be a requiement for a 3rd place play-off if an Associate nation is now to fill that vacant spot.
I'd predicted that likelihood before the ECB was told that Zimbabwe wouldn't be allowed to play in England.
I wonder whether the idea was under consideration. If not, valuable time to change the arrangements has been lost.
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