ICC clears Zimbabwe Cricket Union of racism

A special report by an International Cricket Council (ICC) inquiry commission has found no evidence of racism within the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU).

ICC President Ehsan Mani told a news conference on Sunday after a meeting of the ICC Executive Board that a 73-page report by the commission had rejected the allegations, made by a group of Zimbabwe players unhappy with selection policy.

"The ZCU is cleared of practicing racism in its cricket," Mani said.

An inquiry was set up by the ICC following allegations of racism by 15 white players who argued the team was being selected by the ZCU along racial lines rather than on ability.

The players walked out when former captain Heath Streak was replaced in April after he had questioned the composition of the national selection panel.

The ICC report was prepared by India's Solicitor General Goolam Vahanvati and South African High Court judge, Steven Majiedt.

"As far as the dispute between the players and the ZCU is concerned, the ICC for the last few months has been trying to play its role in resolving it," Mani said.

"But in the end it is a matter between the players and ZCU and it is up to them to resolve it as soon as possible."

The ICC also said the inquiry was not linked to Zimbabwe's loss of Test status in June, when it was decided the team should be restricted to one-day internationals for the rest of the year.

"Zimbabwe was stopped from playing Test cricket because they lost many of their leading established players. And they are grooming a new team which requires time and exposure to adjust to this level," ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said.

"The decision to stop them from playing Test cricket was taken in agreement with the ZCU, which also understood the situation arising out of the walkout by several leading players."

ZCU President Peter Chingoka said his board had always made it clear that they did not practise racism.

"It is regretful what has happened because we have always maintained this stand even through this crisis," he said.

"I just hope better sense prevails now. But the report makes everything very clear now."