BULAWAYO – Outspoken Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart has once again criticised Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), warning that the Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium currently under construction in Victoria Falls risks becoming a “white elephant” if the standard of cricket in the country continues to deteriorate.
Coltart’s remarks come in the wake of recent allegations in a public statement by ZC who accused him of targeting black administrators of the game.
Despite efforts by ZC to discredit him, Coltart remains vocal.
A cricket enthusiast, the former Sports Minister recently took to Facebook to express further concern about the direction of cricket in Zimbabwe.
Quoted by ESPN, Coltart posted: “Unless we focus on the development of grassroots cricket and the game right across the country, our ability to play the game well at international level will continue to erode and ultimately the Victoria Falls stadium will become a white elephant.”
Coltart has been consistent in urging authorities to prioritise long-term development and transparency in cricket administration.
He has also been warning ZC who are under the chairmanship of Tavengwa Mukuhlani to prioritise infrastructure development in other towns instead of focusing on the Harare Sports Club.
To revive the sport, Coltart believes there should be meaningful investment in talent and grassroots systems.
He has publicly accused ZC of regional bias, alleging that national team selections are skewed in favour of players from Harare.
He suggested that there appears to be a deliberate strategy by ZC to focus on promoting cricket in the capital at the expense of other regions, hence killing potential talent dotted in other cities.
Currently, Harare Sports Club remains the only cricket venue in the country equipped with floodlights.
It is currently the only venue hosting all of Zimbabwe’s white-ball international matches.
Meanwhile, Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo has only been utilised for the country’s last nine home Test matches.
On the field, the Chevrons have faced heavy criticism following a string of underwhelming performances.
Disappointed fans, include those in the diaspora.
They have been vocal in demanding accountability and reform within the sport’s governing structures.
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