Sports Correspondent
HARARE, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has launched a scathing attack on Bulawayo Mayor and former Sports Minister David Coltart, accusing him of conducting a “relentless smear campaign” against the organisation’s black administrators. The accusation, contained in a Tuesday statement, has ignited a firestorm of criticism from cricket fans online.
ZC’s statement was unequivocal:
“It is time to call his bluff and expose his agenda for what it truly is.”
The cricketing body alleged Coltart’s frequent social media critiques, often presented as the voice of “concerned cricket lovers,” actually “propagate a deeply divisive and damaging narrative.”
The organisation claimed Coltart’s comments “threaten the unity and progress that ZC has painstakingly built over many years.” It challenged him “to abandon his hollow posts and present concrete, factual evidence to support his claims.”
Fan Backlash Erupts Online
The response from Zimbabwean cricket fans on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), many amplified by Coltart himself, was swift and overwhelmingly critical of ZC:
- Dismissal & Embarrassment: “Is this honestly a genuine post from an International cricket board?!? How absolutely pathetic and embarrassing!!!” wrote one user, capturing a widespread sentiment questioning ZC’s professionalism.
- Calls for Resignation: Others demanded accountability: “Please resign and let those who have the nation’s interest at heart run our cricket, listen to the criticism,” urged another fan.
- Deflection Accusations: Many felt ZC ignored the core issues: “This is a disappointing response to the real issue at hand – the performance and current state of Zim Cricket. The fans deserved an update… not a deflective and disheartening article.”
- Rejecting the “Race Card”: “You all are bunch of losers, always playing the race card when criticised,” stated one blunt response. Another countered ZC’s narrative directly: “It’s not a smear campaign. It’s the voice of reason. ZC is probably captured by corrupt officials and players, hence the continuous bad results.”
- Calls for ICC Intervention & Allegations of Favouritism: Some fans suggested drastic measures: “At this pace we as black fans would appreciate another ban until our house is in order.” Others alleged internal mismanagement: “You aren’t pro black, you’re pro Takashinga and divert resources… keeping Hamilton on a ghost worker salary while employing your homies.”
- Defending Coltart & Demanding Focus: The ZC statement also drew defences of Coltart and calls for focus: “We stand with Coltart!! We need change,” one fan declared. Another advised ZC: “Instead of delving into David Coltart’s past… you should be telling us how you plan to address our poor performances.”
- Financial Accountability: The issue of funding was also raised sharply: “You… are a complete disgrace to cricket. You receive US$17 million every year from the ICC but our players are underpaid. Our grounds are appalling… and you dare attack one man for your failures?”
The outpouring paints a picture of deep-seated frustration among supporters, who perceive ZC’s attack on Coltart as an attempt to deflect from ongoing concerns about team performance, financial management, and governance.
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