Sports Reporter

A CLOUD of uncertainty is hovering over the resumption of the domestic cricket as Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) management and players are engaged in a bitter dispute over unpaid salaries.
A series of meetings from Wednesday ensued to Thursday night and by the time of going to press it could not be ascertained whether Saturday’s fixtures would be fulfilled.
On Thursday morning ZC Media and Communications manager Lovemore Banda could not shed light on the goings on.
However, impeccable sources within ZC confirmed the resumption of the matches lied in the outcome of Thursday’s meeting.
The source further said that tempers flared in the meetings with the cricket management under fire from the players.
The source further said some senior players might face a backlash from the management.
“There are some senior players whose tempers flared and told Ozias Bvute in his face some unkind words over the salaries,” said one source who refused to be named.
“This might affect their inclusion in the team.
“Anything can happen at ZC.
“As I am speaking there is great doubt that the players will play the game if ZC doesn’t pay.”
Players are owed salaries by ZC since November last year and the critical cash flow shortages has forced the Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe to be cancelled.
The cancellation of the tour means Zimbabwe team will be inactive until March where they travel to Bangladesh for an ICC World Twenty20 tournament.
If the current impasse between ZC and the players continue, the competitiveness of the team will be greatly affected.
However, there are some reports that the ICC might chip in with a cash injection of US$3 million grant to Zimbabwe.
Sources say an audit firm will do the ZC books.
After the audit, it is expected that the funds will be availed.
ZC is reeling under a huge debt and workers and players are not able to receive their dues.
Last December, some fixtures failed to be played as senior players boycotted the game while other teams fielded second string sides.
Some good players have left the country to play in other leagues where they get better remunerations.
The trend is likely to continue until the situation stabilises at ZC.
Two fixtures are scheduled in the Pro50s with Mashonaland Eagles hosting Southern Rocks at Harare Sports Club while Matabeleland Tuskers host Mountaineers at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Next Monday, the Logan Cup is expected to resume with Mashonaland Eagles hosting Masvingo’s Southern Rocks while Tuskers entertain Mountaineers at Queens between January 20 and 23.