CSA to resume bilateral ties with Zimbabwe

THE Board of Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Friday decided to resume bilateral ties with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU).

The Board meeting was attended by ZCU president Peter Chingoka, CEO Ozia Bvute and ZCU board member Wilson Manase.

This rescinded a decision taken by CSA last year to suspend the bilateral agreement with the ZCU because of the general deteriorating situation in that country.

Since then Zimbabwe has formed a government of national unity and the International Cricket Council (ICC) has sent a task team to Zimbabwe, their draft report has been presented to the executive board of the ICC and they have asked members to assist the development of Zimbabwe cricket.

CSA president Dr Mtutuzeli Nyoka has sent a memorandum to all affiliates and associates as well as the CEOs of the franchises and there has also been a request from the ZCU to restore the previous relationship.

The Board has decided that a co-ordinating committee be set up to do a joint needs analysis with Zimbabwe that can be implemented over the next three to five years to enable the ZCU to achieve its goal of returning to Test cricket. This analysis will cover all areas of Zimbabwe cricket from primary school upwards.

The members of the co-ordinating committee are: Gerald Majola (CSA CEO, chairman), Colin Beggs (chairman of CSA audit committee), Ray Mali (vice-president, CSA, representing the board of CSA), Tony Irish (CEO, SA Cricketers’ Association) and Jacques Faul (representing the franchise CEOs).