We all know Peter, Ozias, etc have political connections and can justifiably be implicated(along with many others) in contributing to a lot that did not go right regarding Zimbabwe cricket. That Ozias' credentials in cricket, either as former player or administrator are non-existant is an open secret.
It's pointless to discuss political deployments in sport because there's plenty of these so called agents involved in the boards of SL, Pak, Ind & indeed SA.
When governments who are guilty of committing and orchestrating far more heinous crimes globally, instruct their sports bodies to boycott countries with human rights issues, that's hypocrisy, not a moral stand. The fact that they continue to maintain economic&sports relations with other countries which have far more worse records than Zimabwe and its leaders, is testament to the fact that genuine intentions were never the motivating factor.
The ECB and it's government never had the right to question who is the patron or occupies what position in ZCU - they should have done that in 1985(when there were far more legitimate reasons than have ever been since) - and refused to play Zimbabwe at all, just as they were against it's gaining Tets status. They would never dare question or take outright action against India, Pak or SL in that regard, yet they have similar issues; and one only wonders what would happen if one of Russia/China would suddenly become an Associate - would Scotland be prevented from playing against them! By making their cricket team the object of a PR exercise against the ruling party in the 00s, they brought themselves in direct confrontation those very same people, through the sport. Obliged as they were in this chess match type exchange, it was only logical for such deployments to be made. Unfortunately, partly because of that, ZCU and everything with it suffered!
I've often said to myself that this Western controlled media loves to blow things out of proportion and influence stories to fulfill its own agendas. With that in mind and just how broadly they've laid into the Zimbabwe situation at the time, one only wonders what they will make of the situation when changes swing into action here in South Africa! It might be some time to come, but it WILL happen, still brewing. And when it does it will dwarf everything else that ever happened north of the Limpompo - South Africans are far more bold than the average Zimbabwean! The kind of white&blue colar stuff that happens here during a 'period of stability' behind the scenes and goes unreported is extreme enough as it is. Such things will look very tiny in comparison.
Even in his early 30s that was way to young for so much power, hence the rashness. At that stage he was probably more of puppet than anything else, as well as being far more ignorant about the game and everything to do with its administration. I do not know much about Ozias personally, but I think he's come a long way and shows signs that he has the best interests of Zimbabweans and cricket at heart. All I can say to you is, better Ozias than Max. Him and his ilk I'm famailiar with. So be grateful it's Ozias pulling the strings instead of Mr Ebrahim.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Bvute continues to exert more influence. What is sure is that while he has his hands on the reins, there will be no compromises and no chance of any settlement with the rebels.
AC, Heath, Grant, Rennie.....? Who's the bigger criminal, Ozias, these guys or the whole lot?