All posts by h79snht.top

War of words erupts – wicketkeeper-batsman says he is fit, board officials claim otherwise

Umar Farooq10-Jun-2019

Afghanistan have been plunged into controversy with wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad claiming that he was incorrectly declared unfit and omitted from the World Cup squad. However, the Afghanistan Cricket Board insists that Shahzad was indeed unfit, which is why he has been replaced by Ikram Alikhil.Shahzad, 32, retired hurt during Afghanistan’s warm-up game against Pakistan on May 24, but subsequently played the team’s first two World Cup matches.He underwent a knee scan during the warm-up match against Pakistan. In the two matches that he did play, he was out for a three-ball duck against Australia, and made 7 off 12 against Sri Lanka. Afghanistan lost both matches.But while Shahzad has reportedly insisted that he was fit, the ACB chief executive, Asadullah Khan, was adamant that there had been no foulplay in dropping the wicketkeeper-batsman.”It’s absolutely wrong to say that he was unfairly dropped,” Asadullah told ESPNcricinfo. “We have given a medical report to the ICC to prove that he is unfit, and after thorough deliberation they allowed us to replace him. He is our main batsman, who can make a big difference with the bat, and it was a really difficult decision to drop one of our key players.”Shahzad’s medical report, a copy of which has been accessed by ESPNcricinfo, does confirm that he has a mild ACL strain on his left knee.Asadullah explained that since attaining full membership, Afghanistan had increased their focus on fitness. “Now that we are full members, our priority will be on fitness, in international and domestic cricket,” he said. “We can’t carry unfit players. We understand Shahzad was not fully fit when he still went on to play two games and this is not acceptable anymore.”Shahzad, after returning to Afghanistan, launched a broadside against his ouster while speaking with local media, accusing the ACB higher management for the move. “I went to a doctor in London and he drained my knee of some fluids, gave me a pill and said that I could play after resting for two-three days,” Shahzad told media in Kabul.”I had a practice session, bowled, batted, and had a keeping session… had lunch with my team-mates, and then sat down in the team bus (to return to the hotel) only to see the ICC press release on my phone saying I am out of the World Cup,” he explained. “That was the moment when I found out that I was unfit.”I asked the manager, who asked me to put the phone in my pocket and talk to the doctor. The doctor looked at me helplessly and said he couldn’t do anything. I don’t know what is the problem. If they have a problem, they should let me know. If they don’t want me to play, I will quit cricket.”I don’t see myself playing anymore. It’s a dream to play the World Cup. I was removed from the 2015 World Cup [he wasn’t selected for fitness reasons] and now this one as well. I am going to consult with friends and family. My heart isn’t in cricket anymore.”Shahzad is no stranger to controversy, despite having been a pivotal figure in Afghanistan’s extraordinary journey through the ranks to Test status. He missed out on playing during a large chunk of 2017 following an ICC suspension over a doping violation. Last year, he was found to be in breach of the ACB’s code of conduct when he played in a local Peshawar tournament, and was asked to reside permanently in Afghanistan or risk having his contract terminated.Shahzad is Afghanistan’s highest ODI run-getter, with 2727 runs at an average of 33.66 in 84 games.

Rangers have "reached an agreement" with a player over a move to Ibrox in the January transfer window, according to an exciting update by journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Rangers transfer news

The Gers picked up a crucial 1-0 win away to St Mirren on Saturday afternoon, keeping their Scottish Premiership title hopes looking healthy. Away from the on-pitch action, there could be more transfers that happen in the coming days, in order to aid their chances of going all the way this season, with deals already finalised for Fabio Silva and Mohamed Diomande.

Related Clement could land Boyd 2.0 with Rangers swoop for 6 ft 1 machine

Rangers are still on the hunt for another signing this month and could add another striker to their squad.

Posts ByRoss Kilvington Jan 27, 2024

One player who has been linked with a move to Ibrox is Fluminense defender Jefte, with the 20-year-old possibly seen as an upgrade on current left-back Borna Barisic. Vitesse defender Million Manhoef is another who has been tipped to become a Rangers player in the near future, with the 22-year-old scoring four goals and registering one assist in the Eredivisie in 2023/24 to date. Gijs Smal is another target, too, with the Dutchman yet another left-back who is seen as someone who can come in and bolster that area of the pitch.

It looks set to be Rangers' biggest area of focus between now and the end of the January transfer, and a key update has emerged regarding their business.

Rangers close to signing Jefte

According to Romano on X, Rangers are now close to completing the signing of Fluminense left-back Jefte, with an agreement in place to snap him up this month.

This is great news for Rangers, with left-back a priority position this month, and Jefte is someone who could be seen as a big part of their long-term future.

Only 20 years of age, the Brazilian is still a very young player lacking experience at senior level – he is yet to actually make a first-team appearance for Fluminense – but he could grow as a footballer as the years pass, coming in initially as a squad player. He has featured 25 times for their Under-20s, registering six goal contributions (two goals and four assists) in that time, not to mention getting seven in 20 for APOEL Nicosia.

Related Latest Rangers transfer news: Gers want PL teen; Saudi link to midfield ace

Who is Philippe Clement eyeing up in the transfer window ahead of his first full season at Ibrox?

Posts ByRoss Kilvington Jul 9, 2024

Sealing the signing could be especially important if Barisic brings an end to his time at Rangers before the end of deadline day next Thursday, with a move to Serie A giants Roma mooted in recent days, as well as Ridvan Yilmaz potentially joining Galatasaray.

تلقى نادي برشلونة أنباءً سارة في تدريباته اليوم الثلاثاء، استعدادًا لمواجهة موناكو الفرنسي يوم الخميس المقبل، في افتتاح مبارياته ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويحل برشلونة الإسباني ضيفًا على موناكو الفرنسي، يوم الخميس المقبل، بالجولة الأولى من مرحلة الدوري ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا 2024-2025.

وكان برشلونة قد تلقى ضربة موجعة أمس الإثنين، عندما تم الكشف عن إصابة داني أولمو في أوتار الركبة وغيابه لمدة شهر على الأقل عن الملاعب.

إصابة أولمو زادت من معاناة برشلونة في هذا الشأن، حيث يغيب كل من كريستنسن وفرينكي دي يونج وجافي بسبب الإصابة.

صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية، زفت خبرًا سارًا لمشجعي النادي الكتالوني، بعدما كشفت عن عودة فيرمين لوبيز لاعب الوسط إلى التدريبات الجماعية، وتعافيه بنسبة كبيرة لخوض مواجهة موناكو الخميس.

طالع أيضًا | مدرب موناكو يحذر برشلونة قبل مباراة دوري أبطال أوروبا: أحترمهم ولكن

وشارك في التدريبات كلًا من توني فرنانديز وجويل فرنانديز، وأندريس كوينكا –الثلاثي الشاب- بالإضافة لـ فيرمين لوبيز، بعدما كان يعاني الإسباني الشاب من إصابة أبعدته عن الفريق في الفترة الماضية.

فيرمين تألق في دورة الألعاب الأولمبية بـ باريس، وحصل على الميدالية الذهبية مع منتخب إسبانيا الأولمبي، بعد شهر من تتويجه ببطولة يورو 2024 مع المنتخب الأول.

وتتمثل الخيارات أمام هانز فليك في فيرمين لوبيز وبابلو توري في الوسط، بالإضافة إلى باو فيكتور، بعد إصابة الشاب مارك بيرنال في مواجهة رايو فاليكانو.

بالإضافة إلى ذلك، فإن أنسو فاتي أصبح جاهزًا للمشاركة أيضًا في المباريات، مما يعطي فليك خيارات هجومية أخرى يمكنه الاستعانة بها في الفترة المقبلة.

جدير بالذكر أن هانز فليك لم يخسر أي مباراة وفاز بالـ5 مباريات الأولى ببطولة الدوري الإسباني، ويتصدر الترتيب بالعلامة الكاملة برصيد 15 نقطة.

MatériaMais Notícias

O clássico de domingo, entre Flamengo e Fluminense pela terceira rodada da Taça Guanabara, contará como lançamento do projeto “CarioCão”, uma parceria entre o Governo do do Rio de Janeiro e a Ferj para estimular a adoção de animais. O jogo no Maracanã, às 18h, terá transmissão em tempo real do L!.

Os jogadores entrarão em campo com animais abandonados que foram resgatados por ONGs.O Governo do Rio tem dado atenção para a questão.

– Já criamos o selo Amigo dos Animais / Pet Friendly, que ajuda donos de animais a encontrar estabelecimentos como hotéis, bares, restaurantes e comércio que os recebam com seus pets. Publicamos um decreto que proíbe corridas de cachorros, como forma de evitar maus-tratos, e promulgamos uma lei que proíbe a comercialização de coleiras de choque – disse Cláudio Castro, governador em exercício do Rio de Janeiro.

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MatériaMais Notícias

Brigando para permanecerem na zona de classificação do Campeonato Paranaense, Operário-PR e Coritiba duelaram na tarde deste sábado, no estádio Krüger, em partida válida pela 5ª rodada. Mesmo com a insistência de ambos os lados na primeira etapa, o placar só foi aberto no segundo tempo, por Schumacher, fechando a conta em 1 a 0.

Com o resultado, a equipe do Fantasma chegou aos 7 pontos, pulando para a 3ª colocação. Já o Coxa, por conta do tropeço fora de casa, acabou descendo para a 4ª posição com seus 6 pontos somados até então.

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OPERÁRIO-PR COMEÇA O JOGO NA PRESSÃO

Buscando mais um feito na competição, o Operário-PR não quis saber de ceder espaços ao Coritiba e foi logo dando o aviso ao rival. Com isso, nos primeiros movimentos, criou duas jogadas sendo a primeira com Bonfim, tentando surpreender a defesa do alviverde, enquanto que na segunda, após cobrança de lateral na área, Pedro Ken tentou o desvio passando próximo à trave de Arthur.

COXA TENTA MELHORAR, PORÉM MANDANTES SEGUIAM ASSUSTANDO MAIS

Vendo o adversário dar um verdadeiro sufoco, aos poucos a equipe de Gustavo tentava aparecer em seu campo de ataque com mais frequência. Com isso, chegou até mandar a bola contra o gol de Simão, mas sem perigo.

Porém, tentando não perder o controle do confronto, o time Matheus Costa seguia causando mais sustos. Entre as chances, o meia Leandro Vilela devolveu o chute que sua equipe sofreu, tentando encontrar o gol, mas a bola continuou insistindo em não balançar as redes.

MUDANÇAS NA SEGUNDA ETAPA

Buscando resolver a situação, Matheus Costa então optou por duas trocas entre elas tirando Ricardo Bueno para colocar em seu lugar Schumacher. E quase surtiu efeito. Em um das tentativas, o goleiro Arthur foi obrigado a mostrar serviço na bomba de Rafael Oller, sobrando para Schumacher, mas a bola acabou indo para fora.

Já por parte do Coxa, Gustavo também resolveu recuar para seus suplentes, colocando Robinho no lugar de Valdeci, além de Cerutti no lugar de Valdeci. Porém, diferente do adversário, não teve boas chances até meados dos 20 minutos.

FANTASMA ABRE A CONTAGEM

Após a primeira tentativa, Schumacher teve outra chance de marcar e, desta vez, não desperdiçou. Aos 17 minutos, o atacante aproveitou o erro do goleiro Arthur sobrando para o jogador, com o gol vazio, só completar. 1 a 0.

COXA TEM JOGADOR EXPULSO NA RETA FINAL

Precisando correr atrás do prejuízo no placar, a situação da equipe da capital paranaense acabou ficando ainda mais difícil. Aos 41 minutos, Matheus Bueno levou o cartão vermelho após tocar o braço no rosto de Leandro Vilela.

Sendo assim, até os acréscimos dado pelo árbitro, a equipe local segurou-se até o fim para garantir a vitória que a mantém no topo da classificação.

FICHA TÉCNICA
OPERÁRIO-PR x CORITIBA – 5ª RODADA DO CAMPEONATO PARANAENSE
Estádio: Germano Krüger, Ponta Grossa (PR)
Data: 3 de abril de 2021, às 16h (de Brasília)
Árbitro:José Mendonça da Silva Júnior
Assistentes:Bruno Boschilia eSidmar dos Santos Meurer
Cartões amarelos: Alex Silva, Leandro Vilela e Felipe Garcia (OPE) / Luciano Castán e Luiz Henrique (COR)
Cartões vermelhos: Matheus Bueno (COR)

GOLS: Schumacher, 17’/2ºT (1-0).

OPERÁRIO-PR (Técnico: Matheus Costa)
Simão; Alex Silva (Fábio Alemão, aos 25’/2ºT), Rafael Bonfim, Léo Rigo e Leandro Vilela; Silva, Jean Carlo (Leandrinho, aos 35’/2ºT) e Pedro Ken; Ricardo Bueno (Schumacher, no intervalo), Marcelo (Felipe Garcia, no intervalo) e Rafael Oller (Fabiano, aos 21’/2ºT).

CORITIBA (Técnico: Gustavo Morínigo)
Arthur; Igor, Wellington Carvalho, Luciano Castán e Guilherme Biro (Lucas Nathan, aos 34’/2ºT); Matheus Sales (Waguininho, aos 34’/2ºT), Matheus Bueno e Luiz Henrique; Valdeci (Robinho, aos 8’/2ºT), Taílson (Cerutti, aos 8’/2ºT) e Pablo Thomaz (Igor Paixão, aos 23’/2ºT).​

Sheffield Wednesday would have felt encouraged by a 0-0 draw at Hillsborough last night versus Watford, but the Owls are still in desperate need of a deadly striker to lead the line.

With Danny Rohl's men quiet recently in the transfer window, after signing the likes of Ike Ugbo and James Beadle early on in loan deals, the South Yorkshire club could well become busy again today as last-ditch deals are frantically finalised.

In particular, Wednesday look set to go after one clinical attacker to improve their chances of surviving in the Championship.

Wednesday's search for a striker

According to Fabrizio Romano, a deal could well be back on the table for Orlando City striker Duncan McGuire who looked set to join fellow second-tier club Blackburn Rovers over the Owls.

Yet, in a last-minute change of events, that deal collapsed with those at Wednesday now swooping back in to land the potent American forward before the window officially slams shut later today.

Wednesday are now in talks over a deal, according to Romano, the Owls hopeful that McGuire can slot into the weak Wednesday attack effortlessly with Djeidi Gassama potentially forming a feared duo up top with the current Orlando man.

Why Gassama would benefit McGuire

Gassama shone in Wednesday's stalemate with Watford last night, twisting and turning defenders for fun with no striker present feeding off of the ex-Paris St.Germain winger's weaving runs forward to then fire home.

Completing four successful dribble attempts in total, alongside notching up two key passes as a thorn in the Watford side, Ugbo as the lone striker was just a bystander to Gassama's constant inventiveness and never really looked threatening in the contest.

Gassama's numbers v Watford

Minutes played

90

Touches

55

Shots on goal

3

Key passes

2

Successful dribble attempts

4/10

Duels won

12/23

Stats by Sofascore

The Chelsea loanee accumulated a dire 22 touches of the ball, hitting the woodwork once with a rare effort on goal a slight highlight before being hauled off by Rohl late into the second 45 minutes.

Adding McGuire to the striker ranks in South Yorkshire could well see Gassama become an assist king in contrast, rather than letting his forays forward go to waste currently, the American transfer target an instinctive finisher in the MLS.

Scoring 15 times from 37 appearances to date with Orlando, McGuire would blow his Owls competition out of the water on his arrival to the Championship club with those deadly goalscoring statistics.

Young Wednesday hotshot Bailey Cadamarteri pales in comparison with just three goals managed this season after breaking into the first team picture under Rohl, whilst Owls' top-scorer Anthony Musaba only has five next to his name from down the right wing.

Described as being a "lethal" forward player by Orlando manager Oscar Pareja at the height of his goalscoring powers last year, McGuire will hope a move to the Owls goes smoothly today to push himself even more in the cut and thrust of a Championship relegation battle away from home comforts.

Gassama would no doubt be delighted to see McGuire come in through the door this deadline day too, as Wednesday look to significantly bolster up top to stave off the dreaded second-tier drop-zone.

تحدث سعيد العويران نجم الكرة السعودية، عن مواجهة قطبي الكرة المصرية بين الأهلي والزمالك، المقرر لها غدًا ببطولة كأس السوبر الإفريقي.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع الزمالك على أرضية استاد الممكلة أرينا، في نهائي كأس السوبر الإفريقي. 

وقال سعيد العويران في تصريحات عبر قناة “المحور”: “الأهلي تعبنا، أنا زملكاوي هذه الأيام، الأهلي كعبه عالي ويمتلك جماهير جميلة، مجلس إدارة الزمالك تعاقد مع لاعبين جيدين وأتمنى نرفع الكأس غدًا”.

طالع أيضاً.. جوميز: حسمت ظهير أيسر الزمالك في السوبر الإفريقي.. والأهلي قوي جدًا

واختتم: “أقول لـ جوميز، لا تفتح الملعب لأن ذلك صعب أمام الأهلي، وخير وسيلة للدفاع هي الهجوم”.

ويطمح الأهلي في المضي قدمًا نحو تحقيق لقب كأس السوبر القاري التاسع في مشواره، وهو صاحب الرقم القياسي كأكثر أندية القارة السمراء حسمًا للكأس الإفريقية، بـ8 ألقاب، وأقرب ملاحقيه برصيد 4 كؤوس فقط.

أما الزمالك صاحب الـ4 ألقاب، فيريد تكرار إنجاز عام 1994 وتحقيق كأس السوبر الإفريقي الخامسة في تاريخه.

Former Glamorgan batsman rekindles best form with 173 from 144 balls

ECB Reporters Network06-Jul-2019

Ian Holland scored his maiden first-class century and Aneurin Donald reached three figures for the first time since joining Hampshire during the first day of their Specsavers County Championship fixture with Warwickshire.Holland provided the glue to the Hampshire innings having been promoted to open, while housemate Donald added the flair and fireworks. The pair smashed an 82-year record for the fifth wicket for Hampshire, as they clubbed 262 together, beating the 235-stand between Gerry Hill and Donald Walker at Portsmouth in 1937.Hampshire were also boosted by Sam Northeast’s half-century; on the day he was called up for the England Lions squad to face Australia A at Canterbury next weekend.Warwickshire had elected to field without a toss on a green-tinged wicket, under glorious blue skies. They were able to call on Olly Stone for the first time this season. Fast bowler Stone has been sidelined since January after picking up a bone stress injury in his lower back while on England duty in the West Indies.After almost seven months out it only took 19 balls before he found himself back in the wicket-taking fold as he located Felix Organ’s outside edge, the ball flying to the second slip. Stone didn’t take long to grab a second scalp as India Test star Ajinkya Rahane caressed a boundary first ball before nicking to Will Rhodes as first slip next ball.With the ball nipping around, and Hampshire 31 for 2, Northeast and Holland needed to rebuild. And they did with a 98-run stand, which negated the new ball and built a strong foundation for the rest of the day’s play.Northeast fell for 59, after a 54-ball fifty, soon after lunch when Oliver Hannon-Dalby produced a near-unplayable delivery to find an edge behind. Rilee Rossouw provided a precursor to what was to come with a typically entertaining 34 before he was bowled off his pads by a spearing delivery from spinner Jeetan Patel.From then on in it was Holland and Donald dominating the Warwickshire bowling. Holland was boosted up the batting order to replace the out-of-form Oli Soames and Joe Weatherley, who has broken his ankle, as he returned to the side.He was watchful to reach a 103-ball fifty and continued to climb to three figures while allowing the attacking to be done from the other end. Holland, who rose to fame in Australia for winning reality cricket TV show Cricket Superstar, eased past his previous best of 58 before reaching a ton in 201 deliveries – bringing up the milestone with a deft sweep.While Holland grafted for his runs, Donald looked at ease from ball one as he scored at a comfortable run-a-ball, picking up a half-century in 48-balls. The 22-year-old Welshman, who joined from Glamorgan at the end of last year, went on to his first century since July 2016, his breakthrough double ton, in 103-balls.But it was his next 20 balls which left the Ageas Bowl with a collective jaw-drop as he moved from 100 to 150 with sixes and fours galore.Holland reached 143, as he showed some attacking intent before he edged Stone behind to end the mammoth partnership. Donald also failed to see out the day when he top edged the final ball to deep square leg – he ended on 173 with five sixes and 21 fours from 143 balls. Hampshire closing on 450 for six.

There was plenty of change at Celtic last summer as Brendan Rodgers returned for a second spell at the club, whilst a number of players moved in and out of Parkhead.

Central defender Carl Starfelt, who had been a rock at the heart of Ange Postecoglou's defence, was sold to LaLiga side Celta Vigo after the 2022/23 campaign.

The Hoops responded by signing Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki on permanent deals, whilst Nat Phillips joined on a short-term loan from Liverpool.

That string of deals has turned out to be a nightmare for Rodgers as Starfelt's value has soared this season and the replacements brought in have failed to nail down a place in the side, as the three defenders have started 11 league matches between them.

Carl Starfelt's value last summer

At the time of his switch to Celta Vigo, FootballTransfers placed the central defender's Expected Transfer Value (xTV) at €2.8m (£2.4m) after his performances for the Bhoys last season.

Starfelt, who John Hartson described as "pivotal" to the club's success, featured in 28 of the club's 38 Scottish Premiership matches under Postecoglou last term.

The Sweden international made 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game and won 67% of his duels throughout the season to help his team collect 11 clean sheets and the top-flight title.

That came after the 28-year-old star had started 34 league matches under the Australian boss and helped the side to keep 18 clean sheets during the previous season.

These statistics show that Starfelt was a key performer at the back for Celtic as he was a regular starter across two seasons at Parkhead, and secured two league titles in the process.

Carl Starfelt's current market value

At the time of writing (16/02/2024), FootballTransfers has his xTV at €4.9m (£4.2m) and this means that his value has soared by 75% since the start of the season.

It has rocketed up from the initial €2.8m he was valued at upon signing for Celta Vigo last summer, which shows that the experienced defender made the right decision.

The 28-year-old former Hoops star wanted to test himself in the Spanish top-flight and his soaring market value suggests that he has passed that test.

23/24 La Liga

Carl Starfelt

Appearances

17

Sofascore rating

6.99

Ground duel success rate

67%

Aerial duel success rate

63%

Tackles and interceptions per match

2.6

Stats via Sofascore

Starfelt has started 17 matches in LaLiga so far this season for his new club, which means that the talented battler has started six more games than the three players signed in his position have for Celtic combined in the Premiership.

He has been a regular starter and dominant performer, as shown by the statistics in the table above, at the back for the Spanish side, whilst Rodgers' two permanent additions, now that Phillips has returned to Liverpool, have not adequately replaced him.

Celtic are level on points with Rangers in the Premiership table as it stands and have conceded four more goals than their closest rivals, which may leave them regretting allowing Starfelt to leave last summer.

Rodgers appears to have had a mare by both failing to convince the impressive defender to remain at Parkhead and then failing to bring in quality replacements for him as neither Nawrocki nor Lagerbielke have been regular starters.

“It is a sad day, and maybe some of the players are going to move on.”

Danyal Rasool20-Jul-2019

Former Zimbabwe batsman Grant Flower believes Zimbabwe Cricket’s perpetually crisis-ridden state might have contributed to the ICC’s decision to suspend them. The drastic decision, which immediately froze all payment to Zimbabwe Cricket and barred the nation from participating in ICC events, took many by surprise, particularly since this was the first time a Full Member had been sanctioned in this manner.Flower, however, believes their lamentable track record, as well as the glacial rate of progress despite the ICC ploughing bail-out cash into the board over the years, had counted against them.”I can understand the player’s frustrations, but unfortunately with Zimbabwe cricket, it sounds like the ICC have just had enough,” Flower told ESPNcricinfo. “Regarding money owed and money lent, and money the ICC gave Zimbabwe that they’re probably never going to see again, it sounds like maybe they’ve run out of patience.”I think over time, the ICC have just been worn down by all the corruption, the fraud, and the problems with Zimbabwe cricket not being able to get its house in order. Maybe they thought a jolt to their system would make some people realise what was expected of them. They would have reasoned Zimbabwe needed to understand that at some stage, you’ve got to put your house in order, and we can’t keep propping you up like we have been doing over the years.”We can go back so many years to when things were very badly run. It’s pretty obvious what was happening at the time and the people responsible who were involved. And I think the current crop of players and the interim board, who are really good people, are being punished because the ICC felt they needed to take a stand.”ALSO READ: ‘Do we just burn our kits and apply for jobs?’ – Sikandar RazaThe most ironic, and from a Zimbabwean point of view, frustrating, point in this state of affairs is the timing of the suspension. In September 2018, former Olympic swimmer and Zimbabwe’s most famous sportsperson Kirsty Coventry was appointed minister of Sports and Recreation Committee (SRC). Under her stewardship, there was a belief that a corner had been turned, and that Zimbabwe Cricket would benefit from the increased accountability the revamped SRC was expected to deliver. It was a point Flower accepted and said both the timing of the decision, as well as the consistency with which it was applied across the cricketing world, didn’t quite add up for him.”My understanding is the SRC is a public body and not exactly government,” he said. “I think there’s quite a big difference there and I’m surprised the media hasn’t picked up on that. The SRC now is slightly more transparent. I don’t know all the members, but I do know Kirsty Coventry and she’s a good lady, a good person. And a few other people that are involved in it you could say the same of. So if you got someone at the top like Kirsty there, her hands might be tied in a lot of places, but there should be more good things happening than bad.”Regarding government intervention, it’s curious how the ICC have decided to interpret that. There are other countries where it’s publicly stated that some of the times that certain things will be discussed and decided at government level. So I think there’s quite a big contradiction there from the ICC.”Zimbabwe cricket isn’t a stranger to deep crises. Flower played a part in arguably the gravest one of all, when in 2004, he, along with 14 other white cricketers, walked out on Zimbabwe cricket after captain Heath Streak was dismissed following a disagreement over the squad’s re-selection based on what Streak interpreted as unofficial racial quotas. It saw 21-year old Tatenda Taibu become captain, and an inexperienced side suffer a drastic downturn in results. One year later, they would withdraw from Test cricket for over half a decade.Flower believed this particular bind was even graver, especially because it effectively prevented Zimbabwe from playing cricket altogether. “Even when we were leaving, there were a good bunch of youngsters coming through that could get the country’s cricket going. But that’s not the case anymore, with even the domestic competitions unable to take place. For it to be stopped until October at the very least, the guys are probably going to go and play in the leagues, seek a future elsewhere to try and look after their families, So yeah, I certainly think this is far worse.”An impending exodus threatens to plunge Zimbabwe cricket into further turmoil. Solomon Mire has already announced his retirement, while Sikandar Raza hinted at it in a post on Twitter and interview with ESPNcricinfo. Kyle Jarvis wryly noted that “we are not far behind you” in response to Mire’s decision to quit, while, with no money to pay players, administrators and groundstaff, a secure future with the international side looks next to impossible. Flower said it was a harsh lesson Zimbabwe were learning, and hoped there could be a favourable resolution to the dispute in October.”Unfortunately in Zimbabwe corruption is rife. When you live there, you get used to it. It’s quite an unhealthy state of life and affairs which has become the norm. It’s quite frightening, but until you live there, you don’t quite actually realise that.”The scapegoats are the players and some of the good administrators. I saw this thing on Twitter about Harare Sports club, it’s a beautiful ground and at the moment it’s just going to waste because no one is being paid and the staff have left. It’s publicly owned by Harare Sports Club and the upkeep is paid for by Zimbabwe Cricket so unfortunately those sorts of things may just go to ruin.”It is a sad day, and maybe some of the players are going to move on. Most of the players are still quite young, like Brendan Taylor and Kyle Jarvis, who left their county to return to Zimbabwe. They could still ply their trade elsewhere; it’d be a pity it won’t be for their country of birth.”But life goes on eh?”For those players with no offers abroad and the hundreds of non-cricketing staff that ZC employ, even that’s barely a guarantee.