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Sports Reporter—
ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) chairman Wilson Manase yesterday announced that a committee had been set up to investigate allegations of racism made by former captain Prosper Utseya against the board’s director of commercial affairs, international and franchise cricket Alistair Campbell. Utseya accused Campbell, himself a former national skipper, of having a “personal agenda” against him, which influenced his non-selection into the playing team at the World Cup in February and March.

The off-spinner charged that Campbell appointed white coaches and administrators during his 2010-2012 stint as chairman of the cricket committee in order to take control.

He also accused Campbell of being conflicted by having an interest in Dominus Sport, the company that ran ZC’s marketing affairs during his time as cricket committee chairman, adding that his actions had an impact on ZC’s funds.

Utseya accused Campbell of making comments in the media that he felt undermined him with regard to his bowling.

The 30-year-old was banned from bowling in September 2014 due to an alleged illegal action.

In December of the same year, his off-break was found to be illegal, but his other deliveries were deemed legal, and he was cleared to bowl again as long as he did not utilise his stock ball.

Yesterday Manase released a statement saying a committee of inquiry into the whole matter had been set up, adding that it was disturbing that Utseya’s letter had been leaked to the media. Manase said he had expected the issue to be solved amicably “if there is any truth in it”.

“We don’t want to be distracted in our quest to make the sport of cricket great by ensuring that all able and talented Zimbabweans have their input in this game. Therefore, this side-show will thoroughly be investigated by the committee and concluded in order that we move forward, which move is underway with our busy 2015 international tours programme and the victory over India yesterday (Sunday),” said Manase.

He said the ramifications of the leaked letter are far-reaching as it paints a bad picture of ZC to its supporters, sponsors, the media, the government and fellow International Cricket Council members.

“The truth is that ZC doesn’t employ or contract anyone on the grounds of race, but on the basis of talent and expertise. Our vision is to be a successful performer in the global sports and entertainment industry. We therefore can’t put issues of race over and above this vision, more so when our global partners are of various races. If we do that, it will be like shooting ourselves in the foot. Indeed, we can only excel in our diversity; therefore my administration doesn’t condone any issues of racism,” he said.

Manase pointed out that the ZC board works through committees, which make recommendations to it as the ultimate decision-making body. Where a recommendation is adopted by the board, Manase said, it was passed onto the executive for implementation and any allegations or suggestions to the contrary go against the ZC constitution and its corporate governance structures.

Zimbabwe cricket has always been dogged by racism and counter racism charges over the years since it became a money spinner.

In 2013, former ZC chairman Peter Chingoka called an urgent racism summit to unpack the elements of strained race relations in the sport after a bitter race row had engulfed the game.

This was after a row had erupted when the convenor of selectors Givemore Makoni publicly accused former Primary and Secondary Education Minister David Coltart of racism over a directive requiring selectors to have played for Zimbabwe.

Makoni, who did not play for Zimbabwe, argued that there was a very small pool of former black players to choose from, claiming the directive would ultimately see the selection panel staffed by whites.

ZC rejected Coltart’s directive, calling it illegal.

Heath Streak was sacked as captain in April 2004 after he handed in a long memorandum to the ZC about players’ grievances, including selection policies and allegedly racist behaviour of some members of the ZC board. He and 14 other white players were then either fired or quit.