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Robson Sharuko Senior Sports Editor
INTERNATIONAL Cricket Council chiefs have saluted Peter Chingoka, who stepped down as Zimbabwe Cricket chairman last week, as a leader whose knowledge and experience would be irreplaceable after his long innings for the game in this country.
Chingoka, who ended his 22-year stint as ZC boss, wrote to ICC chief executive David Richardson and chief financial officer, Faisal Hasnain, advising them of his decision to call time on his lengthy spell in charge of domestic cricket.

The Harare businessman spent 32 years on the ZC board, with the last 22 years as chairman of the organisation, coming in just after Zimbabwe had attained Test status in 1992 and steering his ship through a number of storms before passing the baton to lawyer Wilson Manase, his deputy for the past four years.

“After a 22-year long innings I now retire as chairman of ZC Board but will continue to assist ZC and my successor/s whenever and in whatever manner I am so called upon,” Chingoka said in a note sent to Richardson.

“Thank you for your honesty, friendship and assistance over the years.”
The ICC chief executive, in response, said Zimbabwe Cricket “will be a strange place” without the presence of its long-serving leader.

Richardson mixed humour and the serious stuff, in his farewell note to Chingoka, whom he described as a man who was very knowledgeable in the game.
“Ever since I mistook you for the SA High Commissioner and asked you at that cocktail party back in 1992 how long you had been in Zimbabwe, you have been the one constant in Zimbabwe cricket so ZC will be a strange place without you,” Richardson wrote in his farewell note.

The ICC chief executive said “notwithstanding all the changes and challenges that have arisen over the years,” he had always appreciated that Chingoka was a man “who understood the game and, in particular, recognised how difficult it actually is to have a good team.

“Thanks for all your support and I wish you all the best going forward.”
Hasnain, who was on holiday with his family, said he had read the developments, in Zimbabwe Cricket, on the internet sites and was certain that Chingoka had put a lot of thoughts before making his decision.

“I’m sure that the decision was not one that was easily taken but you had indicated to me that you may be proceeding in that direction,” said Faisal in his farewell note.

“I have enjoyed our long association over the years and still recall that first evening when I met you in Cape Town soon after I joined the ICC.
“I feel privileged to have known you and having had the opportunity to work with you over the years. I am also privileged in being able to consider you as a personal friend and look forward to our continued association in the future.

“I know that I can always call on you in case I need sincere advice and will not hesitate if the need arises.
I am also happy that you will continue to support ZC, as your experience and your knowledge is irreplaceable.”

Chingoka, in his note to Hasnain, had hailed the ICC chief financial officer as a friend, brother and true professional.
“This is an opportunity to say to you that words will never be enough to express my gratitude to you,” Chingoka said in his note.

“You are a true friend and brother and a real professional. I am sure that we will catch up some time soon as I have been asked to continue assisting ZC — which will remain my honour and privilege to do so.”

Manase, the new ZC chairman, paid tribute to Chingoka and the board for the manner they handled the transition.
“The change of leadership was done in a very democratic manner and there was unanimity on the board on everything that we were doing at that meeting,” Manase told The Herald.

“Peter Chingoka felt that with one year of his term remaining, and with him not standing next year, he felt that it was important that he retires now and use the remainder of the year to impart his experience, knowledge and contacts, here and around the world, gained from 22 years of leading this organisation, to the new leadership.

“I have gained quite a lot of experience working with him and I have also come to know a lot of people, around the world, the key contacts you need as part of the leadership of the game, from the international meetings that we were attending in the last four years.

“I also need to get further guidance, in other spheres, to carry other duties needed in leading this organisation and Peter is the right man because his experience is priceless.”