Sinokubonga Nkala
ZIMBABWE hosts Afghanistan in the first of three T20Is at Harare Sports Club today, and local cricket fans are cautiously optimistic.
With the recent disappointing performances against Pakistan still fresh in spectators’ minds, there is hope that the selectors have learnt their lessons and picked a team based on merit.
Zimbabwe cricket has been plagued by cronyism and bias for years. There have been allegations that selectors have favoured players from a certain team, with personal relationships sometimes trumping talent and performance on the field. This has led to some players being overlooked despite consistently performing well in domestic cricket, while others have been consistently picked despite woeful performances.
This approach has been hurting our cricket for too long. Selectors must not be afraid to make tough decisions and drop players who consistently fail to perform. We should not reward poor performances, no matter who the player is.
The recent series against Pakistan was a painful reminder of this. The Chevrons were outplayed in every department, with Pakistan winning both the ODI and T20I series without breaking a sweat. The team lacked fighting spirit, and there was a sense of resignation and capitulation on the field.
There were some players who were given multiple chances to prove themselves but failed to deliver. Despite their poor performances, these players were consistently picked, while others who had performed well in domestic cricket were overlooked. This approach must change if Zimbabwe cricket is to move forward.
We need players who will fight for the flag and play with pride and passion. We want a team that will make us proud and bring back the glory days of Zimbabwe cricket. We do not want players who are there just to collect a paycheque or enjoy personal relationships with the selectors.
It is time for Zimbabwe Cricket and the selectors to look beyond personal relationships and pick a team that is solely based on stats in the domestic league. We need to give the players who have consistently performed well in domestic cricket a chance to prove themselves at international level.
The selectors must also have the sense to drop players who consistently fail to perform, no matter how popular they are in the team or how well-connected they are with the selectors.
It is better to lose doing the right thing than to continue with the same players who consistently underperform. We need to make these tough decisions if we are to move forward and restore the glory of Zimbabwe cricket.
We need players who are passionate and committed to the game, and we hope the selectors have made the right choices for Afghanistan’s tour.
Fans are tired of the Chevrons setting embarrassing records, especially at home.
mbulelo smpofu
