Zimbabwe Cricket probe racism allegations

Zimbabwe Cricket have described themselves as an institution that embrace diversity and allegations of racism levelled against managing director Alistair Campbell by former captain Prosper Utseya are being investigated.

Utseya alleged in a letter to the association’s chairman Wilson Manase, that he was a victim of racism and accused Campbell, himself a former national team skipper.

Manase yesterday said they have since appointed a committee to look into the matter as they felt it was an internal issue.

The ZC chairman was, however, disappointed that the issue had been leaked to the media when it should have been addressed internally.

“Given that the document was addressed and delivered to me and that ZC has since set up a committee of enquiry into the whole matter, it is disturbing that the document has now been leaked to the media,” said Manase.

“I have always had an open-door policy with everyone at ZC, so I would have expected us to solve this amicably, if there is any truth in it.”

He said the committee has started sitting and has been tasked with presenting its findings to the ZC board at the earliest possible time.

“We do not want to be distracted in our quest to make the sport of cricket great by ensuring that all able and talented Zimbabweans have their input in this game,” said Manase.

“Therefore, this side-show will thoroughly be investigated by the committee and concluded in order that we move forward, which move is underway with our busy 2015 international tours programme and the victory over India yesterday.

“The truth is that ZC does not employ or contract anyone on the grounds of race, but on the basis of talent and expertise.

“Our vision is to be a successful performer in the global sports and entertainment industry.

“We, therefore, cannot put issues of race over and above this vision more so when our global partners are of various races.

“If we do that, it will be like shooting ourselves in the foot. Indeed, we can only excel in our diversity, therefore my administration does not condone any issues of racism.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the ZC board works through committees which make recommendations to it, as the board is the ultimate decision-making body.

“Where a recommendation is adopted by the board, it is passed onto the executive for implementation. Therefore, any allegations or suggestions to the contrary go against the ZC constitution and its corporate governance structures.

“I am committed as ZC chairman to live up to our vision and mission statement and our core values of teamwork, excellence, integrity, commitment, professionalism, fairness and gender equality, as stated in our charter.” The Herald