The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
NATIONAL cricket team all rounder, Sean Williams has a central contract with Zimbabwe Cricket, with the left hander actually one of the handsomely rewarded local cricketers.
ZC acting managing director, Givemore Makoni shed light on the player’s circumstances. According to Makoni, Williams has a running contract which expires next year.
Because of challenges they have had in the past due to the player’s untoward conduct which brought into question his commitment to represent the country, ZC then wrote to the left hander informing him of their decision to terminate his contract by way of three months notice and place him on an earn-as-you-play deal.
Makoni gave indications that the notice to terminate is only expiring at the end of next month, which means Williams still has his central contract.
Seeing that Williams has been in outstanding form for the Chevrons from their tour of South Africa up to the current visit to Bangladesh, Makoni said chances are high ZC will rescind the decision to terminate the player’s contract.
The left hander was the only Zimbabwean to score a half century in the One Day International series against South Africa with 69 in the third ODI in Paarl.
He was also the only Zimbabwean to score a century in ODIs against Bangladesh where he made an unbeaten 129 in the last ODI last Friday.
He also scored an unbeaten half century last Sunday in the first ODI. His efforts during the series were however, fruitless with the Chevrons whitewashed 3-0 by the Tigers.
“What we did with Sean Williams is that we gave him notice to terminate his central contract and give him earn as you play one. It was because of three incidents of him not being committed to playing for Zimbabwe. He understood that when we discussed with him. We will discuss his contract further and will be reviewed,’’ Makoni said.
His clarification comes after former Minister of Sport, David Coltart last Sunday took to social media claiming that Williams did not have a central contract.
From the look of things, Williams is no longer a problem child, with the Lalchand Rajput led technical team impressed with the effort put in by the left handed all rounder.
“It’s not correct to say he doesn’t have a contract. The three months notice expires end of November so we have a chance to revisit that. Sean Williams actually has a contract, the reason was to relook at his commitment. We have not had any issues, the technical staff is happy with him,’’ said Makoni.
ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani and Makoni will be travelling to Bangladesh where they will hold talks with the player in order to iron out any outstanding issues.
The 32-year-old Williams will be part of the inaugural edition of the Mzansi Super League where he will turn out for the Tshwane Spartans together with his Chevrons teammate Sikandar Raza.
Due to well documented financial challenges, ZC reduced the number of players on central contracts from 24 to 18.
— @Mdawini_29
