ESPNCRICINFO reports that Gary Ballance has retired from all cricket - does anybody know details, what happened ?

[Googly]

Jonty you sound like this is good news?

Are you saying this is not his first strike?

Are you saying it was cocaine?

[secretzimbo]

Jonty with a massive agenda, and clearly enjoying every minute of this

[jontym87]

Jonty you sound like this is good news?

Are you saying this is not his first strike?

Are you saying it was cocaine?

Yes this is good news, he can be rehabilitated before it has got out of control. A toxic element been removed (voluntarily remed itself) from a cricket environment. Also sends a strong messages to youngsters that never ever take drugs.

I will not sugarcoat it I am against drug use and cheating and anyone caught deserves what comes their way whether is your Black or White or Green or Blue. I have no sympathy and there is no excuse for drug use in sport.

About it being first strike i refer you back to the witness statement of Azeem Rafiq.

[sloandog]

Ok guys let’s put this matter to rest. Garry Ballance was randomly tested during the Netherlands series and failed all drug tests carried out. So close the thread now

So why quit

You clearly do not understand the magnitude and ramifications for this right? The results of the matches which Ballance played will/can be nullified. Meaning it will be a major setback for ZC as that series was part of the WC qualification cycle.

Even if he had not quit he was facing a 4yr ban automatically career is over you think he will make a comeback at 37/38

I probably didn't appreciate the magnitude and ramifications mate, no. However I know at least 3 players (one of whome is still in the national squad) who has failed drug tests in years gone by whi have been centered around ZC. They were still allowed to play and continue, though this was in 2008 and a lot has since changed. I was just thinking he takes a slap on the wrist by ZC and gets a 3 match ban or something. But yea, the ICC probably wouldn't see it that way

[zimbos_05]

How did zolsky get into jontys account?

[secretzimbo]

Most of the squad are regular recreational drug users and it's no secret. Ballance's crime was he did it during a series, which is idiotic.

[mnelson68]

It's catastrophic for all concerned , Something always happens to the top players for Zim that ends their careers before time .

[jontym87]

Jonty with a massive agenda, and clearly enjoying every minute of this

I have no sympathy for drug users in sport anyone who knows me will tell you that i even cancelled franchise contracts for some guys (for avoidance of doubt black guys) who did what appeared a small thing like smoking weed.

Even smoking cigarettes during the cricket season and if caught sanctions were ready for you but in the national team people got away with it to the extent of someone failing to open the batting during a world cup match because he was having a cigarette. This is just an example, for Zimbabwe to prosper needs tough love. i even have a first class player i fell out with who came to the UK as always told him not to smoke during cricket it doesnt paint a good picture he is a pro with international cap(s) refused to listen and just said fuck this do your thing and now last season he failed to score past 30 runs whole season and was not fit all the time. Small things like this build up and contribute to your downfall.

[pillowprocter]

You are talking out your arse. of course there are individual sanction and bans. But you suggested it would nullify the teams results which is just bullshit, and has literally never happened.

The closest that has happened to this is Zubayr Hamza who played a Test vs NZ while on drugs. ICC said his individual stats will be erased but nothing happened, because ICC doesn't even control stats. It's an empty threat.

[sloandog]

Sunk in a little more today. Was great seeing Gazza in a Zimbabe shirt.