Should the Aussies go

[Angelshark]

http://www.emiratestodayonline.com/ArticleText.aspx?article=11_05_2007_055_009

[Chick]

No

[Angelshark]

Its about time that some one finally agrees with me. Tell me your views.

[Chick]

In a nutshell, because it suggests normality in Zimbabwe. The profits and kudos goes to the government. Henry Olongo rocks, big respect for his bravery and stance, he gave up his cricket career for what he believes in. Nothing against the Zim cricket team who, as young players, did well in the last series, all things considered.

[Angelshark]

I watched the games and here in the UAE the english were giving me so much shit but being who I am beat them with sarcasm and wit, something they really dont have. But anyway knowing a few of the new players I can safely say that in a few years they will be a force to recon with. I have always said that politics and sport should never be in the same sentence but now it sounds like a good idea. Henry and Andy had huge nuts doing what they did and still, Bravo.......

[barto11]

no...it'll be a complete disaster for the zim players, how will they improve if they get completely destroted??

[Angelshark]

Yeah they will get hammered so why not send the team to Aus instead. The guys need the exposure and playing against the best team in the world and losing to them is not all bad.like I said, exposure.

[barto11]

the guys do need the exposure but to get hammered in every match is a little pointless and totally demoralising...a better option would be to send them to play provincial cricket in SA...

[modernzimbo]

Although sport like religion is supposed to be completely independant of politics it never is.

When S.A was sanctioned because of Apartheid no-one would go near the Boks with a rugby ball or cricket bat and I think the same should be applied to Zimbabwe.

What I think is good is that the international debate about issues like this keep the focus on Zimbabwe and it's present situation. Reading the news last week it seems Zimbabwe's electricity is now going to be rationed to only 4 hours a day so day/night games are out

J

[Chick]

For the moment the electricity cuts are to householders only. Won't be long before it hits the factiories, hotels and general town areas. Unbelievable. A friend on mine in Byo has given up and has installed her braai on her verandah for cooking and heating of water. What a way to live! Luckily she has a borehole so has water, although she needs electricity to pump the water?

[Nyala]

While I understand the political views stated so far I can't help thinking that it's the players who will lose out in the end...Bob doesn't care, he'd probably rather not have international players snooping around his little empire but the players could do with the experience and exposure. I doubt Zim has the finance available to send the team here - unless it's privately funded - and I fully understand the Aussies reluctance to play in Zim so a compromise may be a good idea..meet on neutral territory - possibly South Africa? It has been done before. I feel very strongly that the players shouldn't suffer the consequences of Bob's stupidity. The Zim sportsmen and women had a hard enough time featuring on international circuits after sanctions were lifted in the eary eighties, it seems folly to allow history to repeat itself yet again.

[biffon]

Well its official this morning the Aussie Government have banned the tour... which is good as it means the ZCU will not get the $2.5mill payout for the aussies not going.

[Chick]

Thankyou Australia. Yes, at last someone willing to make a decision. I liked Howards description of Mugabe in his broadcast on the news this am - 'grubby dictator'. I agree with your sentiments Nyala, it is the players who loose out, but Mugabe and the Sports Minister and his cronnies would benefit from a test, they pocket the monies coming in from the cricket.

[Angelshark]

Nyala you are so right in that they should play at a neutral venue, but I dont think the games will be well turned out in SA because the Saffa's dont like Aus and they are not to keen on Zim either. Rather play in Aus because then you are rest assured of a good turn out and it will give the Zim boys a moral boost. Some of them are not used to big crowds and are easily frightened. after two or three games they will settle in and probably give a better performance. The problem is that most of them are too young and they will lose more than they win, but losing is not the end of the world. So they get a monster carroting, better luck next time. They need to play, thats the bottom line.

[biffon]

I think the zimbo community in SA will provide good crowds and support for at least a couple of games. If the games are played in Aus that is a lot of money that zim will have to fork out to get their players over, that they dont have.

[dallas]

Good for australia!!!

[sally]

i agree with what the ozzies have done, but i also feel for the zim team. i also agree that they should play a few friendly games in sa to get more practice in.