BCB to rally for Zimbabwe

[chinaman]

Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided to request the International Cricket Council to review their decision to not allow Zimbabwe to take part in Test cricket. A top official of BCB also hinted that another Test-playing nation is going to back their appeal.

In an emergency meeting of the ICC on June 10 Zimbabwe had agreed to an ICC directive to not play Test matches till December 2004. The situation would be re-assessed then.

Zimbabwe is scheduled to tour Bangladesh in January 2005 for a two-Test series. BCB president Ali Asghar will attend the annual conference of the ICC, scheduled for end of June in London, where BCB intends to present a formal request.

“We are for the Zimbabweans but I am unable to tell you exactly what we intend to do in the meeting,” said the BCB president to New Age on Monday.

Meanwhile, another African nation have sent a letter through the foreign ministry to the Bangladesh Cricket board to gather support for their bid to salvage Zimbabwe, revealed a top official of the BCB. The official revealed that Bangladesh planned to take a strong stance on the issue, if necessary, take on a verbal tussle to convince ICC to reconsider the situation.

“Zimbabwe gave a strong support to our Test status bid. Therefore we have to stand by their side at their dark hour and will do all things possible to get them out of the rut,” said one of the advisors to the BCB president. “The other reason is, Zimbabwe is being penalised for their standard of cricket and since we are ranked behind them it would not take much to have fingers pointed at us,” added the official.

Zimbabwe played their last Test against Sri Lanka in May 2004. However, Zimbabwe cricket has been in crisis since April when 13 white players of the Zimbabwe team went into a revolt against the Zimbabwe Cricket Union officials and refused to play for Zimbabwe any longer.

NewAge >>

[billah]

A sound decision by BCB. We otta take this thing seriously. The time is now, let's show some spine.

[IanW]

Originally posted by billah
A sound decision by BCB. We otta take this thing seriously. The time is now, let's show some spine.

Darn right. Henry Olonga is the Basil D'Olivera of our age.

Oh, you mean we should *support* Zimbabwe ?

[sageX]

Zimbabwe has made the whole problem an isssue of black and white. Bangladesh need to stay out of it. Supporting Zimbabwe now wil be insensitive to lot of other country.

Zimbabwe need to make a selection system based on merit of player not based on the color of skin. Bangladesh cannot assiciate with this kinda racist attitude, no matter how much Zimbabwe helped us before. This is not the right help for Zimbabwe.

[Hasib]

geez... i f we do it, we would be the only test team to do so... we don't want to get caught up into this storm even more... we r already in trouble coz of the talk of the n-tier system...

[sageX]

Originally posted by Hasib
geez... i f we do it, we would be the only test team to do so... we don't want to get caught up into this storm even more... we r already in trouble coz of the talk of the n-tier system...

Exactly!

[fwullah]

There is the matter of the standard of cricket, hence Bangladesh cannot afford NOT to support Zimbabwe.

It takes years to develop the standard of cricket throughout the country, my opinion is that other test playing nations have forgotten it. That's why sacking of only 13 players is such a big issue to the ICC and the rest of the cricket world.

[200SX]

BCB shud go against Zim, bcoz thr is no place for raceism in cricket.....

[billah]

Originally posted by IanW

Darn right. Henry Olonga is the Basil D'Olivera of our age.

Oh, you mean we should *support* Zimbabwe ?

Bangladesh should wholeheartedly support Zimbabwe in defending it's Test Status. We should support any way we can to help them fend off these englandian propaganda against them, specially in regards to cricket. Throughout this turmoil, Zimbabwe cricket is finally becoming representative of the millons of Zimbabweans. A large group of powerful cricketers are now finally getting their fair shot at the game of their dreams, now that the era of racial monopoly of the game is over. This new generation of talents are improving fast. They no longer have to settle for rubbish like "you are good but just not as good as us" or, "work within the system, may be, one day you will be better". I'm so glad that chubby(HS) has been shown the door. This is the new dawn for the FIRST powerful cricketing nation in Africa( since SA cricket is not represented by the africans). We should help them and support Zimbabwean cause as much as possible.

[FaltuRidwanBhai]

well i dont think there is any problem supporting zimbabwes participation in test cricket unless we dont make any comment on their black and white issue because that is totally an internal problem.

[chinaman]

Originally posted by billah
Zimbabwe cricket is finally becoming representative of the millons of Zimbabweans... now that the era of racial monopoly of the game is over.

Not too sure about that. The way I see it is that one racial monopoly has been replaced 'racially' with another.

Different scenario about cricket though. There are three distinct entities playing with the issue to advance their own agenda.

1. For Zombabwe, it is the replacement of one racial monopoly with another by means of race. Cricket is just one front.



2. The ICC's (with its ellitist members) agenda is very clear, to establish an n-Tier system. They see the Zim issue as a golden opportunity to take advantage of. They know very well that, with the ongoing dispute, which will take long if ever, to resolve by itself, Zim's performance will take a serious hyke. So they pretend to be compassionate with both sides without taking any role to end it and effectively keep the dispute alive. Furthermore, if the Zims manage to stage respectable fight against the Tigers next january, they will be in a more commending position to label both teams to be weaker to further advance their dirty plans. Just ask yourself the following two questions:
   
   What good will it bring if the Zims are barred from playing test matches for six months?
   Why the ellitists plan to add six more test nations within the next three years?



3. For a lower ranking test nation like Bangladesh, it is a never ending fight, at least for the time being, to impress the rest. In the absence of strong showing, she should take advantage of "politics" within the ICC to stay clear of that foul plan. The goal is simple, to stay as a test nation.

[crazyisland]

Originally posted by billah

Bangladesh should wholeheartedly support Zimbabwe in defending it's Test Status. We should support any way we can to help them fend off these englandian propaganda against them, specially in regards to cricket. Throughout this turmoil, Zimbabwe cricket is finally becoming representative of the millons of Zimbabweans. A large group of powerful cricketers are now finally getting their fair shot at the game of their dreams, now that the era of racial monopoly of the game is over. This new generation of talents are improving fast. They no longer have to settle for rubbish like "you are good but just not as good as us" or, "work within the system, may be, one day you will be better". I'm so glad that chubby(HS) has been shown the door. This is the new dawn for the FIRST powerful cricketing nation in Africa( since SA cricket is not represented by the africans). We should help them and support Zimbabwean cause as much as possible.

I second it man. Zimbs native black players need to make up for their lost time in cricket. Don't forget these same English who are so vocal about this "racism" now - DID NOT say a word for decades (in fact supported) white racism towards native black people.

At the end racism is not acceptable by any means however sometimes if you are put down for a while you need extra support just like "affirmative action" in US.

Personally I think this "Test Status" system itself is a obstacle for growth of cricket world wide. This protectionism caused cricket to grow at a lot slower pace compare to many other sports.

[mzia]

Originally posted by sageX
Zimbabwe has made the whole problem an isssue of black and white. Bangladesh need to stay out of it. Supporting Zimbabwe now wil be insensitive to lot of other country.

Right, It would not be so simple for Bangladesh to take any initiative formally.

[sageX]

mzia I agree with you. I can see what Bangladesh is trying to do. Bangladesh is trying to help the view taken by Dalmiya and Mani about Zimbabwe. It is there idea to give Zimbabwe the chance and time to get their cricket standard back. Thats why they offered Zimbabwe time for test cricket and pakistan and India is offering their A team to Zimabawe to practice on. England and Australia are not too optimistic about this solution.

The behind the story about Zimbabwe cricket standard controversy is more than that. Comment from Warne and Nasser suggests that team like Australia and England are not to eager to play Zimbabwe at all because of the race controversy. Tony Blair even came in public to critisize ICC.

Pakistan and India can take a position in a serious issue like that. They have earned it during the long period of time. Pakistan has 93 test win and India has 77 test win to back their argument. Bangladesh is still in fragile state.



[Edited on 22-6-2004 by sageX]

[Navarene]

Originally posted by sageX
Bangladesh need to stay out of it. Supporting Zimbabwe now wil be insensitive to lot of other country.

Spot on, sageX! Bangladesh/BCB should really stay out of this debatable issue. Zimbabwe cricketing administration is simply unjust, racist and most of all- blatantly politicised. There is no transparency and no openness, even plain reporters are intimidated. No self respecting sports body will tolerate such shameless politicisation of any of it's members sports policies.

Poor results are not why the ZCU should be opposed, rather they should be boycotted for its crooked and racially slanted policies. And intolerable political dictatorship in matters of sport, where independence and freedom must reigne supreme. Never mind even if they have a talented team - the root itself is rotten even though the fruit may smell sweet. Just as South Africa was boycotted during the Apartheid Era despite having some fantastic talents.

But on a second thought, I silently voice my support for BCB about Zimbabwe issue, for we have a huge possibility to beat the second string Zimbos Test side if their test status is intact

[Edited on 22-6-2004 by Navarene]

[chinaman]

Originally posted by sageX
Bangladesh is trying to help the view taken by Dalmiya and Mani about Zimbabwe. It is there idea to give Zimbabwe the chance and time to get their cricket standard back.

I seriously doubt about it. I failed to see if and how Bangladesh trying to help the views taken by Dalmiya and Mani. Please read my earlier post to see my views.

[Ahmed_B]

Originally posted by sageX
Zimbabwe has made the whole problem an isssue of black and white. Bangladesh need to stay out of it. Supporting Zimbabwe now wil be insensitive to lot of other country.

Zimbabwe need to make a selection system based on merit of player not based on the color of skin. Bangladesh cannot assiciate with this kinda racist attitude, no matter how much Zimbabwe helped us before. This is not the right help for Zimbabwe.

... on the other hand.. did u ever try to figure out if ICC would take any action like this at all if the 'Affected' players weren't the 'White One's??
It ever occured to u that ICC might just be too 'concerned' or 'too active too fast' because of the motivation by the Rebel white players??
The kind of incident in ZIM is obviously undesired.. yet just maybe ICC took more agressive steps towards it rather than trying to actually resolve the crisis.

How can a Team be just banned due to bad performance in 1/2 series and/or for the reason of some of the good players being suspended??!
Ithis is actually funny!!

[billah]

Originally posted by sageX
Zimbabwe has made the whole problem an isssue of black and white. Bangladesh need to stay out of it. Supporting Zimbabwe now wil be insensitive to lot of other country.

Zimbabwe need to make a selection system based on merit of player not based on the color of skin. Bangladesh cannot assiciate with this kinda racist attitude, no matter how much Zimbabwe helped us before. This is not the right help for Zimbabwe.

I disagree strongly. You can close your eyes and say "Please go away", but this problem is directly targeted towards Bangladesh, thanks to the subject of Tier system. We need to make a stand, this one thing damn sure. Today Zimbabwe, tomorrow Bangladesh, that's where it's heading. If they can strip Zimbabwe of Test status today for internal political reasons, they will sure do it to us tomorrow. India is, as we know, already at the forefront of that campaign.

Secondly, under all the british propaganda, Zimbabwe is establishing racial equality, not discrimination. This, after being blackmailed by the white elitist group for many long years. All the crocodile tears that are flowing freely on the english side, is due to the loss of many steady source of wealth from Zimbabwe. So, now they want to put a racial color on it to convince the world of racism. In Bangla, we have a phrase for it: "Bhuter mukhe raam naam". We know the brits, we dealt with them for two centuries. We should not be fooled by this propaganda. It is, actually, directed towards our heads.

[IanW]

Billah,

Couple of points.

One : In practical terms, Bangladesh do not want their first Test win, ever, to be tarnished by being against a Zimbawbwe side selected on the colour of skin, rather than the content of character. You want it said you won because you were the better side, not because the other guys declined to select their strongest possible side.

Two : Before playing the colonialism card, recall that the Mugabe regime has been, and is, engaged in their own little colonial adventure in the Congo. The Zimbawbwean army going into the gold and diamond business was a very nice touch (what ? You thought those 'war veterans' were veterans of the independance struggle ?).

Three : Sport cannot and should not be divorced from politics. Sporting boycotts were the right thing to do against apartheid South Africa, and they are the right thing to do against Zimbabwe. At least until there's an open and honest election there.

Four : Zimbawbwe does not have the numbers on the ICC. Even with Bangladesh, I cant see where a third vote comes from. A suspension till they find out if the youngsters can play is about as good as they could hope for.

Five : I hate to break this to you, but the mass of the people in Zimbawbwe and South Africa dont follow cricket at all. They are mad keen soccer fans though.

Six : In case you hadnt noticed, there's a bloke called Ntini playing for South Africa. And I noticed a somewhat dusky gentleman at the bottom of a ruck in the Boks/Ireland game, and he wasnt playing for Ireland.

[mzia]

What is going on in Zim?

The ICC takes decisions all, legally, without opposing even by Zim.

And ICC will review this matter end of this year. Let them review first; Zim should express their satisfaction of dissatisfaction second.

Before doing anything, Bangladesh point of view, simply exposing the immaturity.

[billah]

Dear IanW: Here's my response to your "Couple of Points"

Originally posted by IanW
Billah,

Couple of points.

One : In practical terms, Bangladesh do not want their first Test win, ever, to be tarnished by being against a Zimbawbwe side selected on the colour of skin, rather than the content of character. You want it said you won because you were the better side, not because the other guys declined to select their strongest possible side.

** I don't see how this comes in the discussion. Who we score our first victory against is not the subject here. Bangladesh should support Zimbabwe on strong moral conviction of her fight against oppression. **

Two : Before playing the colonialism card, recall that the Mugabe regime has been, and is, engaged in their own little colonial adventure in the Congo. The Zimbawbwean army going into the gold and diamond business was a very nice touch (what ? You thought those 'war veterans' were veterans of the independance struggle ?).

**This is exactly what I am talking about. What ZImbabwean Army does with "ZIMBABWEAN" diamonds is strictly "ZIMBABWEAN" business. I mean, talk about crocodile tears. Til now, Zimbabwean diamonds filled the coffers of the racist, invading colonialists. "Boo-hoo-hoo, sob, sob, I love them diamonds sooooo much, now these rebels got'em. Ban the from cricket!" ??**


Three : Sport cannot and should not be divorced from politics. Sporting boycotts were the right thing to do against apartheid South Africa, and they are the right thing to do against Zimbabwe. At least until there's an open and honest election there.

**A body such as the ICC should not play instruments for occupation and pillage, although, I can see, ICC does not have a way around it. It's based in london**

Four : Zimbawbwe does not have the numbers on the ICC. Even with Bangladesh, I cant see where a third vote comes from. A suspension till they find out if the youngsters can play is about as good as they could hope for.

**A suspension goes against ICC's own written policies and can be successfully challenged in court **

Five : I hate to break this to you, but the mass of the people in Zimbawbwe and South Africa dont follow cricket at all. They are mad keen soccer fans though.

**I know very well which sports is popular in these countries, no help needed, thank you. However, your statement only points out the centuries old suppression, manipulation, pillage, racism and seggregation. Now that Zimbabwe cricket is finally free of the evil ring, popularity of the game is breaking new grounds. More and more of the real Zimbabweans are participating in the game. What a wonderful thing. Recommended reading for improving your knowledge base: Check out report on attandance of the games since the racist, blackmailing backstabber, unpatriotic morons have been kicked out of the team.**

Six : In case you hadnt noticed, there's a bloke called Ntini playing for South Africa. And I noticed a somewhat dusky gentleman at the bottom of a ruck in the Boks/Ireland game, and he wasnt playing for Ireland.


** This is indeed the most pathetic, sad statement on racial equality. Ntini my friend? There should be 9 more of his skin color, just to show the math right! Please, don't try to disburse that vast pile of knowledge of yours on such a wholesale, specially if your argument is THIS feeble. **

[Edited on 23-6-2004 by billah]

[fab]

Originally posted by billah
** I don't see how this comes in the discussion. Who we score our first victory against is not the subject here. Bangladesh should support Zimbabwe on strong moral conviction of her fight against oppression. **

It is most definitely relevant to the discussion! We want to win against the national team of a country. That is, we want to play against the best players of a country. It is just an unfortunate fact that cricket in Africa is mainly played by whites, hence most of their best players are also white. If you want to help the Zimbo cricket board then help them fund programs to get blacks more interested! Endorsing their behaviour of selecting players based on race and not merit is certainly not the right way to help cricket in Zimb.

**This is exactly what I am talking about. What ZImbabwean Army does with "ZIMBABWEAN" diamonds is strictly "ZIMBABWEAN" business. I mean, talk about crocodile tears. Til now, Zimbabwean diamonds filled the coffers of the racist, invading colonialists. "Boo-hoo-hoo, sob, sob, I love them diamonds sooooo much, now these rebels got'em. Ban the from cricket!" ??**

Now this point, I would say is irrelevant to the discussion. Zimbo's conquests never had bearing before the crisis, so it should not have any bearing during the crisis either.

Three : Sport cannot and should not be divorced from politics. Sporting boycotts were the right thing to do against apartheid South Africa, and they are the right thing to do against Zimbabwe. At least until there's an open and honest election there.

**A body such as the ICC should not play instruments for occupation and pillage, although, I can see, ICC does not have a way around it. It's based in london**

Boycotting South Africa was the right thing to do. But is the scale of what is happening in Zimbabwe the same as what happened in South Africa? Personally, I don't think Zimbabwe has reached that stage (yet). I can think of many other countries that are worse than Zimb who should be boycotted from other sports but haven't been (e.g. Israel, China etc)

Four : Zimbawbwe does not have the numbers on the ICC. Even with Bangladesh, I cant see where a third vote comes from. A suspension till they find out if the youngsters can play is about as good as they could hope for.

**A suspension goes against ICC's own written policies and can be successfully challenged in court **

I think Bangladesh should stay out of it. Surely, we don't want to go into this type of dirty race related politics (despite the forseen outcome of an n-tiered system).

**Now that Zimbabwe cricket is finally free of the evil ring, popularity of the game is breaking new grounds. More and more of the real Zimbabweans are participating in the game. What a wonderful thing. Recommended reading for improving your knowledge base: Check out report on attandance of the games since the racist, blackmailing backstabber, unpatriotic morons have been kicked out of the team.**

Really? Do you have a link to the report? But I wonder how long this interest will last.. would much rather they became interested in the game for the game itself and not for the racist politics.

[sageX]

Originally posted by chinaman

I seriously doubt about it. I failed to see if and how Bangladesh trying to help the views taken by Dalmiya and Mani. Please read my earlier post to see my views.

Sorry to reply late. I think Mr. Asghar is looking for direction in these trouble time. He wants to help Zimbabwe to keep their status so that it doesn't fallback to bangladesh in n-tier system. He thinks proposed way of Mani is a (if not the) way to go because it is already in motion. I kinda doubt that supporting Zimb will be a great help for Bangladesh. Supporting Zim might anger some powerfull nation in ICC and that will be kinda troubling for Bangladesh. It will be wise to play a safe hand here. At the end of all this Ganguly will still sound like Ponting very much.

[Edited on 24-6-2004 by sageX]

[chinaman]

Fair argument, I should say. Thanks.

[sageX]

Welcome. I am wondering why Ponting changed his mind. After Zimbabwe sacked 15 white players Ponting is the first one who raised the issue of test nations standared. Then this tropical depression became hurricane. Ganguly, Warne, Nasser and some ICC big shot started the n-tier system debate.

Than Australia went to Zimbabwe for 2 test and 3 ODI. 2 tests where cancelled, though Sri Lankan test was not cancelled. Australia just played 3 ODI I think. After that visit in Zimbabwe Ponting changed his mind and said 'Keep Zimbabwe in the loop'. That comment changed the whole attitude about n-tier system. Cricinfo took all the article in favor of n-tier system out, CricketNext stoped posting those silly article about test quality, and India agreed to play BD. I mean you can see the obvious change of direction from every possible corner.

Why Ponting changed his mind after the Zimbabwe tour is the 64 thousand dollar question to me! I am not saying that he is the mighty Ponting, but his influence is hard to ignore. What made him change his mind!?