Tuskers part ways with Ebrahim, Vermeulen

Matabeleland Tuskers have dropped batsmen Mark Vermeulen and Dion Ebrahim from their set-up during Zimbabwe's off-season.

"Dion Ebrahim and Mark Vermeulen do not fit into our plans for next season, they still wanted to play for us but we did not have them in our plans," Stanley Staddon, Tuskers' chief executive told a local newspaper. "We have informed the two players when there is still time for them to find new employers before the start of the season."

Ebrahim, who is currently playing club cricket in England, was Tuskers' leading runscorer in the Logan Cup last season, with 746 runs at 46.62, but now finds himself without a franchise. Vermeulen's season was more patchy, however, and issues over his discipline and behaviour also resurfaced.

It was also reported that Tuskers, who are looking to reverse their fortunes after disappointing results in all three formats last season, are hoping to sign Warwickshire allrounder Neil Carter for Zimbabwe's domestic Twenty20 competition. They will also have a new coach, with Dave Houghton taking over from Robin Brown.