Zimbabwe domestic cricketers go on strike over 'poor' wages

The Zimbabwe's franchise cricketers had gone on a strike in the wake of wage and contractual disagreement as they declined to take the field for the start of the first class session on Tuesday.

Signaling another deadlock between board and players within a year, Zimbabwe Cricket's (ZC) financial problems have led to the number of franchises being limited to four for the new season, while player salaries have been restructured. The contract offers have been confirmed by the board just two days before the start of the season with highest earner promised 1500 dollars per month and the lowest getting just 300 dollars, Sports24 reported.

However, the harsh tax laws compel players to receive half of the prescribed amount with 40% of their medical aid costs to be borne out by themselves.

Further, the delay by ZC in the signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Zimbabwe Professional Cricketers' Association (ZPCA) have been seen as a wider problem. According to Eliah Zvimba, the representative of ZPCA, there won't be any play unless issues of players are addressed.

Subsequently, ZC affirmed that there would a meeting with Zvimba on Friday to deliberate on the issue, which led Zvimba to request players to take the field today.