HARARE - Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) was the laughing stock of world cricket yesterday after announcing they have suspended seamer, Tinashe Panyangara for the remainder of the on-going tri-series because of “indiscipline”.
Panyangara, one of the team’s leading strike bowlers, is understood to have shared with his teammates a video of Australian speedster, Mitchell Johnson bowling against England batsmen ahead of Monday’s 198-run defeat against the Aussies.
The former South Rocks player was found guilty of indiscipline when he appeared before a tribunal made up of the convener of selectors Givemore Makoni, head coach Steve Mangongo, ODI captain Elton Chigumbura, Stanley Chioza, national team manager and Zimbabwe A manager Nick Singo.
ZC spokesperson, Lovemore Banda confirmed Panyangara’s expulsion yesterday.
“Zimbabwe bowler Tinashe Panyangara has been removed from the national squad camp for the on-going Triangular One-Day International (ODI) series involving Australia and South Africa, because of indiscipline,” Banda said.
“The 28-year-old Panyangara has also been fined one match fee for his behaviour that the national team disciplinary committee found disruptive in the build-up to the first ODI of the triangular series, which Zimbabwe played against Australia on Monday.”
The decision was widely condemned by most cricket followers on social media, who were surprised by the heavy handedness by ZC of axing a crucial player over a trivial matter, when the team needs all its best cricketers to bounce back in the second match against South Africa tomorrow.
Panyangara’s departure comes hot on the heels of the sacking of Wayne James, who served on the ZC cricket committee and the selection panel for the past four years.
James was last Friday jettisoned after he queried the decision to drop Brendan Taylor for the third and final ODI against South Africa in Bulawayo last week.
The 49-year-old’s departure leaves both committees crippled in terms of experience and knowledge of the game.
James played four Test matches and 11 ODIs for Zimbabwe and together with former national team coach Andy Waller, were the only ones to have played cricket at a higher level in the two committees.