“National Shame”: Fury Over Zimbabwe U19 Cricket Selection, Coltart Demands ICC Investigation

Zimbabwe Cricket Selection Under The Microscope: Former Minister David Coltart Asks ICC To Investigate

Former Minister David Coltart has called for the International Cricket Council (ICC) to investigate the selection process for Zimbabwe’s national Under-19 cricket team, levelling explosive accusations of racism and regionalism. The outcry erupted on the social media platform X on 16 December 2025, directly challenging a celebratory post from Zimbabwe Cricket just one day prior and alleging that “racist and regionalist policies” are corrupting the sport’s future.

The controversy has plunged Zimbabwe Cricket into a firestorm of public debate, starkly contrasting with its proud announcement on 15 December that it was 31 days from co-hosting the prestigious ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 with Namibia. Instead of building excitement for the upcoming tournament, the focus has been hijacked by a bitter row over fairness and representation in the nation’s youth setup.

A “Disgrace” And A “National Shame”

The core of the dispute lies in the selection of the Under-19 squad. David Coltart, a former Education, Sport, and Culture Minister and a known cricket enthusiast, did not mince words in his condemnation. In a direct post on X, he branded the selection a profound failure.

“It is such a national shame and disgrace that the team selected is by no means our best. That racism, regionalism and sheer stubbornness can dominate our selection policies in 2025 is unforgivable. This was the one opportunity we had to showcase the very best of our remarkable talent which has been squandered,” Coltart stated.

He followed this with a more targeted accusation, directly calling for international intervention.

“This entire selection of what should be our National Zimbabwean under 19 #cricket team is a disgrace. There are clear racist and regionalist policies being applied. The @ICC should investigate.”

The Alleged Oversights And A “Thickening” Plot

The spark for Coltart’s comments appears to have been fan analysis shared on X. A fan presented data and raised pointed questions about why high-performing players from schools in Bulawayo, a major city in the Matabeleland region, were overlooked. The user suggested a systemic bias favouring players with connections to the capital, Harare.

“I wonder if players have no connections to Harare, there is no support from ZC to have them part of the set up? Its all so weird,” the user questioned.

The user’s thread delved deeper, noting that one selected player, Ndiweni from Falcon College in Bulawayo, had recently appeared for a Harare club (SOGO), implying relocation may have been a factor. Another selected Falcon alumnus, Nathaniel, was noted as not having been active since 2024.

Public Outrage And Official Silence

The allegations have ignited a fierce online debate. Other X users echoed and expanded on the claims. One asked, “How can you select a batsman with a batting average of 8.0 only because his surname is Makoni?”

Another alleged, “There is obviously a lot of corruption going on in the background. Patronage system is being founded by selecting weaker players.”

Accusations were even directed at specific individuals, with one user claiming, “we can’t have G Makoni influencing his sons to be selected in national teams,” referencing selections in both junior and senior squads.

Others expressed embarrassment for Zimbabwe Cricket, with one posting, “It will be embarrassing, do the ZCU enjoy being a laughing stock in world cricket?”

Amid the fury, some voices pushed back against Coltart’s narrative. One user challenged the media, urging journalists to investigate independently “rather than rely on racist tantrums from well known nolstagic [sic] and unrepentant racist Rhodesian elements.”

The same user pointed out that three players from Bulawayo schools did make the 20-man squad and argued the media should instead highlight positive stories of inclusion.

As of 16 December, Zimbabwe Cricket has not issued a public response to Coltart’s specific allegations or the ensuing social media storm. ZiFM Stereo News reports that it is still pursuing an official comment from the governing body.