Zimbabwean fast bowler Kyle Jarvis retires from international cricket over 'pay disputes'

Kyle Jarvis

24-year-old Zimbabwean fast bowler Kyle Jarvis has retired from international cricket following payment issues with the nation’s cricket board, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC).

Jarvis has pulled out of the upcoming series against Pakistan and will accept an offer to play in England’s County Championship, with Lancashire being the frontrunners to sign him up. The right-arm pacer has ruled out a return to play cricket for Zimbabwe in the future.

Zimbabwean cricketers had earlier quit practice sessions ahead of the Pakistan series, forming a ‘players union’ for salary negotiations with ZC. But later, the situation was brought under control after an agreement was reached between the players and the board, according to ESPN Cricinfo.

It remains to be seen how Zimbabwe cope with the loss of Jarvis, with Chris Mpofu, their experienced pace bowler, still out injured.

In the pace department, Zimbabwe now have to rely on Brian Vitori, who hasn’t been in fine nick in recent times, along with inexperienced Michael Chinouya and Tendai Chatara.

In a statement issue by Jarvis, he said:

“I have held off a few opportunities over the last few months, but my decision was made about a week ago when the pay disputes arose and I felt my time to leave had come.

“I have retired from international cricket to pursue a county and global T20 career. We have had a few teams interested, but me and my agents have agreed on a three-year deal at a top English county.

“I really hope the fans and public can understand my reasons for leaving, as job security is the main factor. I informed my team-mates yesterday that I would be leaving and they were supportive and fully understood why I was doing this. I then sat with the managing director and explained my position, and we both left on good terms.

“Zimbabwe will always be my home, and I would just like to thank everyone for their continued support over the past few years. I wish my team-mates and coaching staff the best of luck for the forthcoming Pakistan series.”

Kyle Jarvis played 8 Tests for Zimbabwe

Jarvis played 8 Tests for Zimbabwe, taking 30 wickets at an average of 31.73, with a best of 5/54 against West Indies at Barbados in March earlier this year. His other 5-wicket haul in Tests came against New Zealand in Bulawayo in 2011.

He also played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s victory in the 2nd Test of the 2-match series against Bangladesh earlier this year, which helped them draw the series, returning with match figures of 33-9-115-7 from the Test.

In the recently-concluded series against India, Jarvis took four wickets in the three matches he featured in.

In 2011, he played two matches for Essex in the Second XI Championship, a competition involving the reserve teams of county cricket clubs which have first-class status.

When Zimbabwe toured New Zealand in 2012, Jarvis’s performances impressed the management of Central Districts, a team featuring in the Plunket Shield, New Zealand’s domestic four-day competition, and they signed the pacer for the remainder of the series. In the 2 matches he featured in the competition, he took 7 wickets.

He also played in the HRV Cup, New Zealand’s domestic Twenty20 competition and took 5 wickets in 8 matches.

Before Jarvis, batsman Craig Ervine had also opted for club cricket in UK over playing for Zimbabwe earlier this year. ESPN Cricinfo states that Charles Coventry, who holds the record jointly for the 3rd highest ODI score (194*), is also contemplating a move to greener pastures.

Former Zimbabwe fast bowler and skipper, Heath Streak, though sad about Jarvis’s decision, has said that he isn’t surprise by his call.

“I think it’s a big loss for Zimbabwean cricket. We invested a lot in some of these players and its sad to see them just walk away. Again it’s not surprising especially with the way these players have been treated. They are not valued as professionals, if you look at the late payments issues,” he was quoted by website Cricketworld.

“You can’t blame some of these players on the decisions they make. We see people like Gary Ballance decide to play county; you better ask the question, ‘why?’ The way these guys have been treated is like they are not professionals. That’s why Tatenda (Taibu), Dougie (Hondo), Andy (Blignaut), Pommie (Mbangwa), Dougie Marillier have ended their careers prematurely.

“A lot of these guys could have been still around, they could be still playing but they are not. What’s the problem? Until the players are treated as valuable products this trend will continue,” the former Zimbabwean pacer said.

Streak also believes that playing in county cricket would benefit Jarvis considerably. “I can’t doubt that he will make an impact because you are judged according to your performances and you get treatment like you are a professional. Everything is perfect for one as a player,” he said.