Sean Williams back in the team after agreement with Zimbabwe Cricket – Cricket News Update
Zimbabwe all-rounder Sean Williams, who had refused to appear for the ongoing 1st Test against Pakistan, has, according to ESPNcricinfo, reached a settlement with the board and is likely to sign a contract and play for his side in the future.
It was generally understood that Williams was boycotting the match due to the payment dispute, where Zimbabwean players complained of non-payment of dues by ZC. However, it is now reported that the cricketer had an issue with the exact amount he was due and not the non-payment. Williams, who was not centrally contracted by the board is also reported to have signed up for the Bangladesh Premier League, where he will join his skipper and other teammates.
The pay dispute between the players and ZC has been going on for a couple of months now, and the matter was settled just before the tour of Pakistan. However, after the 2nd ODI against the visitors, the players, who had not received their payments, protested and threatened not to appear for the final game. Fortunately though, the board talked them down and convinced them to play the final ODI and the 1st Test, promising payments before the 2nd 5-day game.
The Zimbabwean players formed a players’ union, the first of its kind, which has been clear that the cricketers will go on strike if the board delays their dues any further. The board, which has been in severe financial trouble, has been working on ways to cut costs and save more money in order to make the payments. Recently it was announced that the 2nd Test against Pakistan, which was scheduled to be held in Bulawayo, will also take place in Harare Sports Club, the venue where the 1st game is currently going on. This move is expected to save the Zimbabwean board around $50,000, which would otherwise be spent on accommodation and travel expenses.
The Zimbabwean side has been playing well despite the absence of their skipper Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams, both of whom were not available in the 1st Test.
Source:
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