Online Reporter
Sports Reporter
IN an unprecedented move, the Zimbabwe Cricket has come guns blazing against former Sports minister and politician, David Coltart following a sustained social media campaign against the national association.
Amid struggles on the field of play by respective national teams, especially the Chevrons, Coltart has relentlessly attacked the ZC leadership, and they now believe it has nothing to do with the results.
ZC believe Coltart has a bigger agenda.
In a lengthy statement yesterday, ZC say Coltart has been fighting them for far too long and hence the decision to do the unusual.
The Bulawayo mayor did not immediately respond to the statement but was active on his X (formerly Twitter) handle retweeting most of the comments that defended him against the ZC attack.
“For too long, David Coltart has waged a relentless smear campaign against Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), targeting its black administrators with baseless accusations lacking any credible evidence. “It is time to call his bluff and expose his agenda for what it truly is,” read the opening paragraphs of the statement.
Coltart, who has featured in the background of the cricket battles for over two decades, stands accused of pushing a divisive agenda through his social media posts, especially during international matches.
“Coltart’s frequent social media tirades – disguised as the voice of “concerned cricket lovers” – in reality propagate a deeply divisive and damaging narrative.
“His rhetoric threatens the unity and progress that ZC has painstakingly built over many years. Far from offering constructive criticism, his attacks are fuelled by personal bitterness and racial prejudice, aimed solely at undermining the integrity of selectors and administrators who operate under strict, merit-based and transparent processes.”
ZC insist they have no problems with debates around selection as it is a controversial issue globally but are not happy with Coltart’s claims that there are race quotas used in selecting the Chevrons.
“While selection is inherently subjective and globally sparks healthy debate among cricket fans, that is normal and part of the game. However, Coltart’s persistent claims of non-existent racist policies are both dangerous and deplorable.
“Such accusations distract from the real work of developing Zimbabwean cricket and erode public trust in a fair, transparent system. We challenge Coltart to abandon his hollow posts and present concrete, factual evidence to support his claims.
“Without proof, his accusations amount to bar talk – empty noise unworthy of serious consideration but too dangerous to ignore given his political standing and influence. To understand the gravity of Coltart’s attempts to destabilise ZC, one must appreciate the complex legacy of cricket in Zimbabwe.”
The cricket body says their transformation drive has made national, provincial and club teams more representative of the country’s demographics in a commitment to an integration policy meant to grow cricket and keep it strong.
“We are proud of these achievements and remain committed to selecting only the best players – regardless of skin colour – to represent our national teams. There is absolutely no place for racial prejudice in our game.
“The ICC Anti-Discrimination Code prohibits conduct “likely to offend, insult, humiliate, intimidate, threaten, disparage or vilify any reasonable person . . . on the basis of their race, religion, culture, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin”.
“Discrimination in team selection, administration or any aspect of our operations will never be tolerated. This stands in stark contrast to Coltart’s own record. His tenure as Minister of Sport was marked by divisive interference and politicisation of cricket,” added ZC in the statement.
The fiery statement added that Coltart thrust himself into the media spotlight during the national team’s recent tour to England, offering interviews and commentary to portray himself as a saviour, while conveniently ignoring his role in the crises that crippled Zimbabwe cricket for decades.
“His selective outrage reveals his agenda: he protests only when white players are overlooked but remains silent when black players miss out on national team selection.
“ZC rejects division. We reject politicisation. And we categorically reject Coltart’s cynical campaign to destabilise the sport. We call on the cricketing community and the public to see through Coltart’s charade and stand firmly with Zimbabwean cricket as we build a future founded on unity, fairness and sporting excellence.”
