Zimbabwe split hairs over dreadlocks

KINGSTON: Dreadlocked Zimbabwe players have been ordered to cut off their flowing locks, it was reported here on Wednesday. The Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU), keen to improve their poor reputation, told at least three members of the squad - Tawanda Mupariwa, Keith Dabengwa and Stuart Matsinkenyeri - to conform with the ruling.   

Zimbabwe team media manager Lovemore Banda told the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper that the idea was to have all the players looking uniform.   

"The cricket committee of Zimbabwe Cricket decided that in terms of uniformity, appearance and neatness, the players needed to look to be the best representatives they could be for their country and therefore they recommended those who wear locks cut them," said Banda. Mupariwa, Dabengwa and Matsinkenyeri all agreed, he added.   

"The point is that we wanted the players to cut their locks and they consented," he added.   

"There were some who were in the process of growing them. They also wanted those players to look as presentable as possible."   

Captain Prosper Utseya said the players weren't happy but gave in to the board's demand.   

"Obviously they didn't like it but cricket is a gentleman's game so we have to be disciplined - especially for the youngsters coming into the team," he said.   

"In Zimbabwe dreadlocks are not a religion, it's a fashion thing".