Kiwis tour of Zimbabwe

[sloandog]

Zimbabwe dismiss New Zealand's health claims
Cricinfo staff

January 8, 2010

The Zimbabwean government has dismissed suggestions made by New Zealand Cricket that its tour later this year might be called off because of concerns over the health facilities in Zimbabwe.

NZC's chief executive Justin Vaughan and New Zealand Cricket Players' Association head Heath Mills both spoke out about the "the collapse of public heath system in the African nation" and warned without adequate facilities, the tour was unlikely to happen.

But Zimbabwe's sports minister David Coltart told Harare's Independent the New Zealanders had an obligation to visit. "I think it's unfortunate because while we don't have a first-world health system, we still have very good medical facilities in this country. Our private health system is excellent, and for those who can afford, service delivery is excellent.

"The cholera epidemic that affected our nation in 2008-09 is a thing of the past. It's clear to me that … we are improving all the time. Ask people who travel to Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and to an extent Pakistan. I believe in many respects Zimbabwe is a far healthier environment. I don't believe there is any justification to use health grounds to stop a team from coming here."

However, Coltart's optimism is not shared by those on the ground who report Harare's sewage system has all but collapsed and claim raw sewage is now seeping into the city's main water source, leading to fears of renewed cholera outbreaks. Last year, more than 4000 people died of the disease in Zimbabwe.

Coltart went on the state the political concerns which caused a planned tour in 2009 to be postponed no longer applied. "There's still a long way to travel, but it's an unrecognised country compared to this time last year. There are fewer reports of human rights violations. It's by no means perfect, but things have greatly improved."

[sloandog]

Personally i agree with David Coltrat. Zimbabwe cricket needs to be given a chance

[jamthala]

One intresting thing morgan(england) is ICC president.in june sharad powar(india) will take his seat.than zim chances become brighter.

[CrimsonAvenger]

The Sydney Morning Herald reports possibility of a neutral venue: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/bla ... -lzuq.html

Nothing concrete there. But how useful is it? A series played would be much better than a postponement, as at least that would show the world that politics is not an agenda anymore. Would SA be an option?

[CrimsonAvenger]

More details on the neutral venue topic: http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/32 ... ral-ground

Justin Vaughn seems to be talking about all possible excuses he can come up with in one go...

[sloandog]

I'm really starting to dislike this guy Vaughn. Give us Zimbabwe Cricket a bloody break for god sake !! We could give the Kiwis a run for their money any day. Nmae your venue sir

[jamthala]

Kiwis should play.

[Flower power]

The kiwis want to find all sorts of excuses not to tour . Give Zim a break they have had it for the last ten years .

[eugene]

New Zealand Cricket is in a tough position as touring Zimbabwe is not popular with the New Zealand public. Also the last tour to Zimbabwe is still fresh in everyones mind. That tour featured many appalling performances from Zimbabwe.

I do however think Zimbabwe needs to be given a chance to redeem itself both politically and with sporting relations. Justin Vaughn has done alot of good for NZ cricket and he shouldn't just be viewed through this situation.

Ironically enough, Zimbabwe and New Zealand are in the same position in that they are struggling to get quality teams to tour. New Zealand just hosted Bangladesh who performed woefully.

[jamthala]

icc have to foce nz cricket now.