We are appealing to you as a former sportsperson to give us a chance to play – Zim cricket women petition Kirsty Coventry

The Zimbabwe cricket women’s team has written to Youth, Sport, Art and Recreation Minister Kirsty Coventry seeking resolution to the standoff between the Sports and Recreation Commission and the local governing body for the sport.

The standoff resulted in the International Cricket Council suspending Zimbabwe from membership of the organisation with the threat of termination if the Tavengwa Mukhuhlani-led board is not reinstated.

In a letter signed by captain Mary-Anne Musonda on behalf of all the players, they spoke of the sacrifices made for their dreams.

The Lady Chevrons were in camp for the first 3 months of 2019 in preparation for the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers Africa in May. This was an intense camp where we had to sacrifice time with our families. Our team has mothers and wives as well. They were away from their families for that long. This took its toll on us emotionally as we had to make such sacrifices to attain our goals. Physically, it was strenuous, As a sportsperson yourself, a woman and a mother we are sure you understand what it takes for a woman to prepare for a global event, the long hours of training and the emotions and lack of material comfort of being away from home to achieve your dream.

Having lost out on a tour of the Netherlands and Ireland after the ICC froze funding citing government intervention (which the organisation frowns on) as well as the removal of four players plus the coach from the Global Development Squad, the players say the fear that they will be removed from the Global Qualifiers for the T20 Women’s Wold Cup to be held in Scotland next month. A decision to officially replace Zimbabwe will be made by end of this week and it is likely that the team they beat, Namibia, will get the ticket.

They further said:

So we we appealing to you as a former elite sportswoman who has represented Zimbabwe at the highest level Is to afford us that chance too. much as boards and ministers before you did the same for you. Much like you and most recently, the Gems. we too want to use the opportunities we have got to make our country proud
And in the process. Just like you did, also realise our dreams, fulfill our ambitions and sot the foundations for our lives after sport We know you know that the sportsperson’s shelf life is limited and therefore time is of the essence So our question to you, honourable Minister, is will you stand by arid watch while our dreams. our ambitions. our goals. our careers and indeed our lives. go up in smoke? We implore you to get the SRC to give the game a chance and reinstate the recently-elected ZC board. Police action, anti-corruption action all that can always be done while we are playing and those found on the wrong side can then be arrested
As for now only one decision needs to be made. reinstatement.