By Yvonne Manjengwa

HARARE – MEMBER of Parliament Themba Mliswa has dismissed the allegations of racism by the Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) association boss Tavengwa Mukuhlani saying the real issue is that of alleged mismanagement and misappropriation of funds by the ZC board.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in the capital, Mliswa said there has been increasing anger in the way  Zimbabwe Cricket was being run by its current and previous boards.

This anger has brought to a head recently when the Zimbabwe Cricket board hastily sacked Heath Streak, Tatenda Taibu and the technical team.

“A group of concerned members of cricket feel that the state of cricket in Zimbabwe is in shambles. The firing of Streak, Taibu and company is unjustified and is merely a cover up for shortfalls that the Zimbabwe Cricket board are responsible for.” said Mliswa.

Mliswa added that the Board cannot be managed by people who do not know anything about cricket instead it should be led by people with a history of cricket.

“I wish to reiterate that the call to action emanates from the cricket fraternity in Zimbabwe and is driven by people who have a commitment to the game of cricket and ultimately and above all, have passion and commitment for their country.” added Mliswa.

In a statement the Zimbabwe Cricket staff and players have not received their March salaries and to date have only received 40% of their February salaries.

Meanwhile, Mliswa has vowed to take the constitutional procedures until Zimbabwe Cricket  board abdicates and says he is prepared to take the battle through Parliament and all the way to the President.