Former Zimbabwe teammates involved in brutal war on social media after Afghanistan loss

03/03/2017

There was a lot of bad blood on social media between two retired Zimbabwe cricketers after the national cricket team was bowled out for a mere 54 in the final ODI against Afghanistan. Mark Vermeulen and Brendan Taylor took potshots at each other - personal and professional - on Facebook and Twitter.

With the five-match series tied at 2-2, Afghanistan set Zimbabwe a target of 254 at Harare. The hosts were shot out for just 54 in just 13.5 overs as Afghanistan wrapped up the series 3-2.

Taylor took to Facebook to criticize fans and pundits alike on their analysis of the match.

"Ex players and commentators always sit back and chip away because it's easy watching from the comfort of their homes or from a commentary box but forget how tough it can be in the middle," Taylor posted.

Vermeulen took exception to the statement, saying that losing to a team that didn't have a bowler in the top 40 was embarrassing and the players in the team should get back in the nets instead of "cribbing" on social media.

"Very disappointing off you BT(Taylor)...I can't believe you are supporting a pathetic effort by our national team...54 all out against a team that doesn't even have any bowlers in the top 40 rankings is disgusting if I was in the team that was bowled out for 54 I would be totally embarrassed &wld (would) just shut the f*** up &get in the nets instead of posting f***** s** like this," Vermeulen responded.

Taylor's reply was instant as the name calling began. Taylor called Vermeulen "chemically imbalanced" and blamed him for the downfall of cricket in Zimbabwe.

"Here we Go! Coming from someone who is chemically imbalanced. Take a good look in the mirror on what you have done for yourself and your country, apart from burning down one of the few establishments we had," Taylor said.

"You my friend are what a true embarrassment looks like".

Vermeulen wasn't about to sit back and listen to Taylor's rant and replied, "They all got what they deserved BT &let me catch you one day...we'll settle this...be careful what you say about me you little f***".

But Taylor wasn't done as he shifted to Twitter where he posted, "Unfortunately @Zimcricketv did produce the most psycho player ever to grace the game. Definitely got a kill in him does Mark".

Where the feud goes from here remains to be seen, but every neutral cricket fan can accept the loss was indeed a humiliating result for the African nation. However, players getting involved in a public clash cannot be ignored and the administrators need to take a closer look at the situation to ensure such instances don't come to pass again.

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