ZIMBABWE Cricket president Tavengwa Mukuhlani has categorically stated his administration’s position vis-a-vis the development of cricket in Zimbabwe at the back of the venom spit by Bulawayo Mayor Senator David Coltart making unsubstantiated claims,Express Mail Zim sports can report.
Mukuhlani laid bare the fallacious allegations of racism, tribalism and nepotism.
He candidly stated that Coltart was in a world of ‘make belief’ where he carelessly thinks that as a staunch cricket fan he is an authority in selection of the Chevrons team.
“I believe that patriotism is not defined by criticising those you don’t agree with,” he said. “It’s unfortunate that his definition of patriotism is the amount of criticism he gives for what he believes is not right.
“I believe he’s a cricket fan, which is good, and I respect all cricket fans.
” However, I have a problem when one misleads, and I believe he misleads. I’m the chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket not because the system wanted me here. I fought racism to get here,” said an emotionally charged Mukuhlani whose passion for the game is documented .
Mukhulani poured cold water on assumptions that ZC operates along racial or regional lines.
He cited case in points and said in 2015 his administration brought back Kyle Jarvis and Brendan Taylor from County Cricket and matched their salaries.
Under his stewardship, they also brought in Gary Ballance and Dave Houghton while they asked the quadrant of
Hamilton Masakadza, Elton Chigumbura, Prosper Utseya and Chamu Chibhabha to retire to balance the race card.
” There is no race card in Zimbabwe Cricket. When you post that there is racism or tribalism, that is misinformation we dislike,” he said.
Coltart’s frustration was premised on the 2025 performance that saw Zimbabwe suffering defeats to Afghanistan, England, South Africa and New Zealand, three of them innings losses.
However,Mukhulani explicitly explained and laid bare the fairness of the team selection process without mincing his words.
The Sports Recreation Commission (SRC) has since launched a probe into the root of the former British South Africa Police officer Coltart’s allegations which sports critics described as ‘a figment of his imagination’.
The SRC director general Elta Nengomasha said her body will work all out to get to the roots.
Sports has always been a unifying factor .
