zimcricketnews.com

Zimbabwe Cricket have announced their list of contracted players for the upcoming season - there are 44 names on the list, but the biggest surprise is the absence of Zim's star batsman Brendan Taylor from the list. Speaking to the Zimbabwe Standard, Trevor Mutangadura (ZC's General Manager - Cricket) confirmed the reason for Taylor's ommission:

"Brendan Taylor left for England without signing a contract with ZC, that is why he is not in the squad for the 2008/9 season."

Comments by new coach Walter Chawaguta in an interview with the Sunday News would seem to indicate that the door hasn't been entirely closed on Taylor, but it does look like he's bashed heads with the Board one too many times:

The national team coach said he was not sure what is the situation with the top order batsman Brendan Taylor. The right-handed batsman is understood to be playing club cricket abroad but left in unhappy circumstances and it is not yet clear if he will return to the national team.

The full list of contracted players is: Prosper Utseya (captain), Tatenda Taibu, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Hamilton Masakadza, Vusimusi Sibanda, Tawanda Mupariwa, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Keith Dabengwa, Raymond Price, Christopher Mpofu, Elton Chigumbura, Sean Williams, Edward Rainsford, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Timycen Maruma, Graeme Creamer, Taurai Muzarabani, Johnson Marumisa, Regis Chakabva, Friday Kasteni, Blessing Mahwire, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Alestair Maregwede, Eric Chauluka, Trevor Garwe, Admire Manyumwa, Steady Musoso, Alois Tichana, Patient Charumbira, Prosper Tsvanhu, Silent Mujaji, Philimoen Kadzitye, Samuel Mwakayeni, Forster Mutizwa, Mbekezili Mabuza, Bonaparte Mujuru, Michael Chinouya, Bothwell Chapungu, Tinashe Hove, Tendai Chisoro, Remembrance Nyathi, Stephen Nyamuzinga, Cephas Zhuwao, Bernard Mlambo.

It's also been confirmed that ZC are trying to secure Douglas Hondo to fill the role of assistant coach to Chawaguta. Hondo was a promising pace bowler for Zimbabwe before a back injury put paid to his playing career and forced him to switch to coaching.
Zimbabwe Standard - Zim Cricket Abandons Grading System | Sunday News - National cricket team goes into camp