Tatenda Taibu returns to cricket as administrator

Former Zimbabwean cricketer Tatenda Taibu, who retired from cricket in 2012 at the age of 28 in order to focus on his church work, has made a comeback to cricket as Zimbabwe Cricket’s convener of selectors and development officer. He will take up his position next month.

Taibu has implored the cricket board to sort out players contact issues and installation of floodlights at Zimbabwe’s premier cricket ground as part of bringing a turnaround in the team performances. He feels that the players will only perform better if they stop worrying about their welfare.

“There are a few things that we should consider if we are to compete competitively internationally. The first thing is to create an environment where players just play without any other issues to think about because when they play against New Zealand or Sri Lanka, those players do not have any other access issues to think about,” said Taibu.

“So if that issue is sorted out, then we can look at another avenue on how to assist them to perform at their optimum because we hardly get players performing due to distractions. If we sort out player contracts, facilities and general organisation, then players will have a clear mindset and play ball.”

Also, read – No pressure on me as I have always been an integral part of the team: Suresh Raina

Ever since Taibu announced his retirement from the sport, Zimbabwe Cricket has been trying to get him back in the game as a player or an administrator, which Taibu denied a number of times before finally agreeing on taking up his administrative role.