Cricket: Zimbabwe players back on strike

DURBAN, South Africa - Zimbabwe's players have resumed their strike after administrators missed a deadline for paying outstanding match fees.

The players walked out on December 22 over money they say they have been owed since September.

The Zimbabwe government took control of cricket on January 6 and told the players the issue of outstanding fees would be settled by January 31.

The players suspended their strike until January 31 on that basis. The deadline has passed and the players have still not been paid, player representative Clive Field said from Harare.

"The players made it clear they couldn't carry on playing until their pay issues are resolved," Field said.

"They (administrators) missed a deadline that was basically imposed by the government.

"It's no good to tell the players they must be patriotic and negotiate in good faith when they miss deadlines."

Field said the interim committee appointed by the government to run cricket had resorted to negotiating with players individually.

"They have persevered in saying they are going to offer contracts, one-on-one, to selected players," Field said.

"They've made it clear that if a player does not want to accept his contract, they will find someone else."

The interim committee decided on January 18 to suspend Zimbabwe's test status until their tour to Sri Lanka in February 2007.

Zimbabwe have lost seven of their last 10 tests by an innings and have lost 26 of their last 28 one-day internationals.

Field said the players had yet to calculate the amount they are owed.

- REUTERS