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Makhaya Ntini

WITH rumours floating about Makhaya Ntini not getting a contract extension and the current contract being cut short, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) managing director Faisal Hasnain has denied the reports and said the cricket governing body will deal with his contract when it comes up for renewal.

“ZC denies in the strongest possible terms any suggestions that Makhaya has been sacked. When his contract comes up for renewal, we will deal with it in the manner we deal with all our contracts,” Hasnain said.

Ntini’s two-year contract is set to expire in January 2018. But if the rumours are to be believed then ZC is not considering renewing his contract after a series of complaints by players over the 40-year-old bowler’s approach.

“Makhaya is a valued member of our staff, he is highly respected and he has done some great work,” Hasnain said.

“He has his hands full preparing the team for the matches against Netherlands, Pakistan A and then the two Tests against West  Indies.”

Before Heath Streak was appointed head coach of the Zimbabwe cricket team, Ntini was the caretaker coach of the team. Zimbabwe are currently ranked 10th in Tests, 12th in ODIs and 11th in T20 Internationals.

With the 2019 World Cup qualifiers to be held in 2018, Zimbabwe’s main focus would be to finish among the top two sides in the 10-team qualifier.

The right-arm fast bowler represented South Africa in 101 Tests and 173 one-day internationals and took 390 and 266 wickets respectively. — Indian Express