Makhaya Ntini could be released before his contract expires in January
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Former South Africa pace bowler Makhaya Ntini’s contract as Zimbabwe’s bowling coach may not be renewed.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Ntini may even be released from his contract before it expires in January next year.
However, Zimbabwe Cricket’s managing director Faisal Hasnain insisted that no contract discussions have begun.
Hasnain also made it clear that Ntini has not been sacked after rumours emerged that board parted ways with the 40-year-old after numerous players complained about his style of coaching.
“ZC denies in the strongest possible terms any suggestions that Makhaya has been sacked. When his contract comes up for renewal, will we deal with it in the manner we deal with all our contracts,” Hasnain said. “Makhaya is a valued member of our staff, he is highly respected and he has done some great work. He has his hands full preparing the team for the matches against Netherlands, Pakistan A and then the two Tests against West Indies.”
Zimbabwe will face the Netherlands in three 50-over games in Harare next week, but they will be without former captain Brendan Taylor, who recently signed a new contract after spending two years with Nottinghamshire on a Kolpak deal.
However, Taylor, who has been given permission to take a few days off to spend time with his family, opted out of his contract with Nottinghamshire last week and returned back to Zimbabwe.
While Taylor will miss the series against the Netherlands, he will be available for selection when Zimbabwe host the West Indies for a two-Test series next month.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo last week, Zimbabwe’s convener of selectors Tatenda Taibu admitted that Taylor will have no trouble getting back into the national team.
“Anyone who knows cricket knows Brendan Taylor is a quality player,” Taibu had said. “We don’t need to see much. We have been following his performances and we know how he has been doing on the county circuit. We’re looking forward to having him back.”