Bvute defends performance-related Zimbabwe contracts
AFP, September, 2005
HARARE (AFP) — Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Ozias Bvute defended their controversial policy of issuing new contracts to their professional players based on performance in terms of runs, wickets and fielding.
Senior players Heath Streak, Tatenda Taibu and Andy Blignaut have already met the criteria but more than 20 others will be assessed by a panel including national team manager Babu Meman and coach Kevin Curran.
"This is and will be a detailed assessment, on the basis of past, current and perceived future results and performance," Bvute said Monday.
He said the 24 remaining "Level One" (lower rated) players had been offered basic salaries and expenses.
This new policy lies at the root of the current dispute with the players.
Stuart Carlisle, Barney Rogers and Neil Ferreira, had demanded a minimum contractual income and had not been offered any contract at all, Bvute said.
"If I wanted a 737 Boeing ...