Adam Zampa Withdraws from Sheffield Shield Amid Selection Controversy and Public Apology
Australia leg-spinner Adam Zampa received an apology from Cricket New South Wales (NSW) following public criticism over his selection for a Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania. Former players Stuart Clark and Ed Cowan questioned the decision, citing fairness and Zampa’s absence from NSW's regular system. Zampa has since withdrawn from the next game.
Adam Zampa, Australia’s leg-spinner, was at the center of controversy after his selection for a Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania drew public criticism from former players and NSW board members Stuart Clark and Ed Cowan. Following the backlash, Cricket New South Wales issued an apology to Zampa, who subsequently withdrew from the upcoming Shield match.
Zampa, who hadn’t featured in a first-class game since February 2023, was included in the squad for the Tasmania clash, sparking accusations that the selection was made to enhance his chances for Australia’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Stuart Clark, a former Australian pacer, voiced his displeasure on air, claiming selectors were instructed to include Zampa without room for discussion. He said:
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. I’m going to ask Lee Germon from Cricket NSW to clear up this by writing to Cricket Australia……we don’t understand this.
Adding to the criticism, former wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, speaking on a Podcast, remarked:
I’m an Adam Zampa fan … but I don’t think he should be playing this Shield game. He doesn’t come to training, he’s not part of the NSW system. I just think it sends a real bad message to our younger players in the squad.
The fallout prompted Cricket NSW to apologize to Zampa for the public handling of the situation. Despite the apology, Zampa decided to opt out of the next Shield match, leaving selectors to reassess their choices.
Comments