Adam Zampa receives apology over selection controversy | Cricket News

Adam Zampa (Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Cricket NSW has extended an apology to Adam Zampa following public criticism of his selection in the Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania at the SCG.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Zampa received the apology via telephone on Monday after intense public discourse regarding his selection. The controversy arose from suggestions that Cricket Australia (CA) had influenced NSW to select Zampa over Tanveer Sangha.
CA has categorically denied issuing any directives, stating they had only expressed interest in evaluating Zampa for an upcoming Sri Lanka tour.
If not selected for the Sheffield Shield fixture, Zampa would have participated in a two-day Prime Minister’s XI match in Canberra.
Whilst Cricket NSW has remained officially silent, Zampa has accepted the apology and responded positively, even updating his Instagram biography to state “NSW Sheffield Shield player.”
The situation intensified when NSW board director and selector Stuart Clark, alongside Ed Cowan, questioned Zampa’s selection. During an ABC Radio broadcast, Clark suggested CA had effectively required Zampa’s inclusion.
“The problem I have with it … when it came to Adam Zampa, we didn’t have a discussion because there was no need to – we were told he had to play,” said Clark. “Quite frankly, I don’t understand what the comment of Cricket Australia is because we didn’t need to have a robust debate about his selection. His selection was a foregone conclusion.”
Clark indicated he would seek clarification from CA, noting that communications from Cricket NSW suggested Zampa’s selection was mandatory.
Zampa demonstrated his capabilities in long-format cricket during the SCG match. Speaking to Cricket Et Al, he discussed his initiative regarding the Sri Lanka tour.
“Four weeks ago, I asked Bails (George Bailey, national selection chair) if I was a chance to go to Sri Lanka. It’s been on my radar for a while, and I want to be ready,” Zampa said.
The incident has generated significant discussion within cricket circles. Former Australian captain Mark Taylor and former Test keeper Brad Haddin criticised the selection process, whilst Clark and Cowan expressed concerns about communication between CA and state selectors.
“I just think that this selection is a very bad one,” Taylor said. “Obviously (Zampa) doesn’t really want to play first-class cricket. I don’t like the selection, I really don’t.
“I think that’s a really bad message to be sending to young cricketers in any state.”
Cricket NSW head of cricket Greg Mail has supported the decision, stating that Zampa’s selection aligned with discussions with George Bailey and supported national team development objectives.