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

[slcricfan1]

Word of what actually happened is just starting to hit the Midlands, surprised SZ hasn't mentioned it but its not a pretty sight so can see why nobody wants to.

Can we just close this thread now and move on.

[mnelson68]

cmon Jonty,
it is obvious Garry is head and shoulders better than anyone in our system.

Even his 'failed' stint in red ball cricket is only a failure by big 3 standards. He is the best in County. Its actually been spoken about and wondered often why he hasnt been recalled. I know people talk up County to a higher standard than it is, but it is still way better than Zim and to be the best of the best in that comp is pretty big.

We would kill for any bat who averaged high 30's against top 4 teams in tests, like Garry did.

Honestly it feels like im getting sucked in by a troll by just replying and explaining it.

No one doubted his capabilities in red ball cricket at all. He adds value and stability to the Zimbabwean side no doubt and if anyone disputes that needs mental evaluation.

I’m arguing his worth in white ball cricket. Doesn’t add any value to the white all side. To make the side he would have to fight it off with Slug and Willy the two guys who provides stability in the side that would be his role. Can he be an aggressor no.

However, the whole handling of his comeback was totally wrong. Without any meaningful cricket behind him he walked into the national team. Forget about the hundred he scored, what message does it send to the guys that were playing Logan Cup at the time and he just come and walk into the squad. It was disrespectful

Why wouldn't he walk straight into the side? Laughable if you think anybody from the Logan Cup would be a better option .

[jontym87]

C'mon bud! You surely wouldn't have wanted Ballance to play a year of Logan Cup?
Solomon Mire pretty much got direct entry, didn't he?
Do you think he's a similar caliber player?

If you don't think he adds value in white ball I'm equally confused. The only question mark I would have had is where he batted in the line up.

It's all moot, he's gone, whatever the reason . For Zim cricket it's a tragic loss, despite what you may think he's practically irreplaceable.

What is alarming is we have a high number of players that have mental health issues. That's largely a reflection of how they get treated, so it's a bit weird talking about disrespecting players. Trust me ZC don't give a flying fuck about the vast majority of the players, with a handful of notable exceptions. They only worry about themselves and a small handful of blokes that keep people in line.

I’m not saying he should have played a year of Logan cup. But leading up to the 1st Test against Windies Logan Cup was happening. There were 3 rounds of matches played when it was announced that he has signed a contract. The least that could have been done is play a single game. Mind you he had not played any meaningful cricket for over a year. You can’t compare with Mire because Mire was playing competitive cricket at that time unlike Gazza.

You question is a good one. Where would he bat? He had to contend fighting Slug, Willy and Raza for a place.

[jontym87]

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

[secretzimbo]

I was hoping the rumours circulating strongly yesterday were false.

Sad.

[jontym87]

I was hoping the rumours circulating strongly yesterday were false.

Sad.

If I say more I would need a lawyer.

But just to give you hints read the statement below:

"Over the years, YCCC protected Gary Balance with respect to his drug and alcohol issues, allowing him to miss drug hair sample tests to avoid sanctions. When he failed a recreational drug test and was forced to miss some games, the club informed the public he was missing games because he was struggling with anxiety and mental health issues."

[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

[jontym87]

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

[TapsC2]

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

Is it true that BT failed a test on his final tour as well? Seems like there were no consequences to that.

Sad. This version of events makes more sense and proves one of Rafiq's allegations to be true. Done himself a great disservice.

[secretzimbo]

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.

The results absolutely can NOT be nullified, btw. That's straight up bullshit.