Veteran Zimbabwe cricket team fast bowler Tendai Chatara has issued an apology to Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Givemore Makoni and convenor of selectors Dave Mutendera and Elton Chigumbura, who is also one of the selectors, for comments made in a leaked audio where he made disparaging remarks about the trio with regards to national team selection.
Chatara torched a storm when he accused the selectors of nepotism which he believes has been the reason behind the Chevrons' poor performances in recent years.
The 33-year-old cricketer was conspicuous by his absence in the recent tour by Afghanistan for two Tests, three ODIs and three T20is.
Afghanistan won the T20 series 2-1, the One Day International series 2-0 after one of the matches was washed out, while the first Test was drawn before the tourists took the second, which Zimbabwe could have won.
Chatara was expressing his frustration for being left out of the team.
"I am writing to sincerely apologise for the hurt caused by my comments in a leaked audio that has been circulating via WhatsApp and other social media platforms. I deeply regret my poor judgment in that moment, particularly after having a few drinks. I also regret the reputational damage this may cause to you as individuals and to Zimbabwe Cricket as an organisation. This was never my intention, and I take full responsibility for my actions," he said in a letter addressed to the trio.
"While I am concerned that the audio may have been selectively edited, as only my voice is heard, I take responsibility for my words and the impact they have had.
"Mr Mutendera and Mr Chigumbura, I have immense respect for both of you, not only for your contributions to Zimbabwean cricket as players but also for the trail you have blazed for many black children from disadvantaged backgrounds, including myself.
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"Your achievements on the international stage inspired many of us to believe that we could reach the highest level of cricket despite the challenges we faced. Your continued dedication to nurturing young talent is something I greatly admire, and I am truly sorry for any suggestion that questioned your integrity or commitment.
"I also want to acknowledge that my frustration stemmed from not being selected when I felt I still had much to offer in the national team.
" However, I fully regret the way that frustration came out. My comments were disrespectful and hurtful and, for that, I take full responsibility.
"I extend my apology to the players I mentioned in the audio — they deserved their call-ups and my comments were never meant to undermine their efforts or to wish them failure.
"I realise now more than ever that the success of Zimbabwean cricket is far bigger than my personal interests. The national team's progress and unity are what matter most, and I am committed to supporting that cause.
"I hope to rebuild the trust and respect I have lost and to continue working towards the success of our team. I remain dedicated to contributing positively to Zimbabwean cricket and to fostering unity and progress within our cricketing community," he said.
Despite the apology the damage appears to have been done already and the player may never be selected for the national team again.
Chatara even said he was ready to retire next year in the audio.
