Zimbabwe Cricket Accuses David Coltart of ‘Smear Campaign’ and Racial Bias

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has issued a strongly worded statement accusing Bulawayo mayor and former sports minister David Coltart of leading what it describes as a “relentless smear campaign” against the organisation and its black administrators.

In remarks released on Tuesday, ZC alleged that Coltart’s repeated criticism of the board and its selection policies is “fuelled by personal bitterness and racial prejudice” and lacks “any credible evidence.”

The governing body claims the former minister’s “frequent social media tirades” promote a divisive narrative that undermines the progress it says it has made in transforming the sport since independence.

“Far from offering constructive criticism, his attacks are aimed solely at undermining the integrity of selectors and administrators who operate under strict, merit-based and transparent processes,” ZC said.

“There is absolutely no place for racial prejudice in our game.”

ZC’s statement also placed the dispute in the context of cricket’s complex history in Zimbabwe, noting that the sport was introduced in 1890 during the colonial era and remained the preserve of the white minority until 1995, when the first black player represented the national team.

Since then, the board says it has worked to make teams at national, provincial and club level more reflective of the country’s demographics.

The organisation further accused Coltart of politicising cricket during his time as sports minister, and of playing a role in the black armband protest by players Andy Flower and Henry Olonga during the 2003 World Cup.

ZC said this contributed to England’s boycott of a scheduled fixture in Harare and the 23-year freeze in bilateral cricket relations between the two nations, a standoff that only ended in May this year.

Coltart, a former officer in the Rhodesian police, has previously acknowledged and expressed regret for serving under an unjust system during the country’s pre-independence era.

However, ZC claims his current commentary on team selection shows “a lack of true repentance” and reflects “selective outrage” that focuses only on the omission of white players.

The board called on the cricket community “to see through Coltart’s charade” and support its efforts to build a future for the sport “founded on unity, fairness and sporting excellence.”