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ZCU says its cricket team is not `politically cleansed`
London, Jun 02: Zimbabwe Cricket Union today strongly refuted claims that its team currently touring England was `politically cleansed` and said such charges were `insulting and inaccurate`.
London, Jun 02: Zimbabwe Cricket Union today strongly refuted claims that its team currently touring England was "politically cleansed" and said such charges were "insulting and inaccurate".
"It is both insulting and inaccurate to suggest that this Zimbabwe squad has been politically vetted as has been suggested throughout the tour by protest groups," Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) chairman Peter Chingoka said in a statement.
"The ZCU would prefer not to dignify these unpleasant claims with a public response of this nature. But as the same misinformation continues to be circulated it is important to set the record straight -- for the benefit of the team and the many thousands of fans who have followed this tour as genuine cricket lovers," he said.
"ZCU selectors were solely responsible for the make-up of this squad. It was chosen without political intervention."
"Zimbabwe cricket is in a transitional stage and the basis for selection was the identification of talent and potential for the future."
"The only player not in the squad who we believe would have merited inclusion is Andy Flower -- a world class performer," Chingoka said.
He said the Zimbabwe team had been welcomed everywhere in England and the healthy attendance at the first Test were ample proof that the "majority of cricket followers support the right of this team to play in the UK".
Bureau Report
"The ZCU would prefer not to dignify these unpleasant claims with a public response of this nature. But as the same misinformation continues to be circulated it is important to set the record straight -- for the benefit of the team and the many thousands of fans who have followed this tour as genuine cricket lovers," he said.
"ZCU selectors were solely responsible for the make-up of this squad. It was chosen without political intervention."
"Zimbabwe cricket is in a transitional stage and the basis for selection was the identification of talent and potential for the future."
"The only player not in the squad who we believe would have merited inclusion is Andy Flower -- a world class performer," Chingoka said.
He said the Zimbabwe team had been welcomed everywhere in England and the healthy attendance at the first Test were ample proof that the "majority of cricket followers support the right of this team to play in the UK".
Bureau Report