Vince Hogg resigns as managing director of ZCU

Vince Hogg has announced his intention to resign as managing director of the Zimbabwe Cricket Union. Hogg, who has been increasingly worn down by the protracted player dispute, will take leave of his office on August 6, after which time he will return to commercial life in Zimbabwe.

"The past few months in office have really been strenuous on me," said Hogg, who was caught in the crossfire between the 15 rebel players and the ZCU's heavyweights. "I have decided to resign because I was no longer enjoying the work.

"My view is that the recent player dispute was ill-conceived at the outset and has left both parties and cricket in Zimbabwe worse off. I personally did not agree with the action taken by the players in boycotting games and breaching their contracts. Unfortunately, there have been no winners in this dispute."

Hogg expressed his hope that some of the disaffected players might one day return to Zimbabwe to play alongside Tatenda Taibu, and remained adamant that the ZCU was not an institution that had been influenced by government appointees. "I can state in all conscience that I have never been pressured by any political force or government department during my tenure as managing director.

"I have in fact received a great deal of support from the Sports and Recreation Commission during my time in office. It has been a privilege to work for cricket in Zimbabwe and to see the emergence of many talented young cricketers, both black and white, over the past couple of years. As a former national player, it has been my wish to contribute to the building of a Zimbabwe team that can hold its own and earn the respect of all opponents."

Peter Chingoka, the chairman of the ZCU, said Hogg's resignation had been accepted with regret. "While we are sorry he wants to go, we respect his decision and the personal reason for it. He leaves the union in a healthy financial state, and we wish Vince all the best in his future endeavours."