Heath Streak, the former Zimbabwe captain, said that pacer Kyle Jarvis' retirement from international cricket was a big loss to the team, but stated he was not surprised by the bowler's decision.
Jarvis, who played eight Tests and 24 ODIs for Zimbabwe, quit international cricket on Sunday to take up an offer from an English county and said that he would not return to play cricket in Zimbabwe.
"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," Streak told the website Cricketworld.com. "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."
Jarvis' retirement is the latest in a string of problems facing Zimbabwe, including the stand-off between the players and the board over delayed payments. His absence will also weaken the Zimbabwe side as they take on Pakistan in a home series starting next week.
Citing the instance of Zimbabwe-born batsman Gary Ballance, who plays for Yorkshire and has also represented the England Lions, Streak said that cricketers could not be blamed for taking such decisions. He also said that the trend of cricketers opting to go overseas would continue unless they were treated well.
"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," Streak said. "A lot of these guys could have still been 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."
Streak said the county experience would be beneficial for Jarvis. "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.
Streak sad but not surprised by Jarvis' decision
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Streak sad but not surprised by Jarvis' decision
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Streak sad but not surprised by Jarvis' decision
