DOMESTIC CRICKET

I am writing this to commend the ZCU for finally being on the right track for your domestic cricket season. To limit the first-class teams to the four major provinces is certainly a big step in the right direction as it allows cricket the strongest breeding ground, for future Test players, possible at the moment in Zimbabwe. I have had a good look at the lineups for each team and I have come up with a list of players who have played either domestic and /or international cricket in the recent past who did not line up for varying reasons, they being:

Murray Goodwin, Neil Johnson, Craig Wishart, Hamilton Masakadza, Brighton Watambwa, Guy Whittall, Doug Hondo, Ian Engelbrecht, Dan Peacock, Everton Matambanadzo, Sean Davies.

There are probably others, and you would be more aware of this than I, but this is not a bad side in its own right. I know some of these players will be back, but how is Zimbabwean cricket going to deal with this ever-present leaking of quality players? Is there some type of lobbying going on to the ICC about accessing some global funding from other sources but your own to deal with:

a) Player payments
b) Player conditions
c) Equipment
d) Training programs for future players, coaches and administrators

Or is there some way where the ZCU will accept overseas-based Zimbabwean players to be allowed to line up for the national team? (This is particularly pertinent in light of the current political climate.)

The other thing I would like to add is this: is there any discussion regarding the expansion of your domestic competition to include other developing African nations such as Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, Uganda, etc.?

And since your country has suffered more than any other I know regarding the emigration of players, with some lining up with other competing nations (Hick, Penney, Johnson, Goodwin, etc. - plus I know of a couple of very promising junior cricketers here in Australia who hail from Zimbabwe just can't recall names at the moment), is there an active recruiting drive from your cricket people to attract those obviously talented cricketers from other developing African countries to play four-day, first-class cricket in your competition, with the possibility of qualifying for the national Zimbabwean team; i.e., do you chase the next Steve Tikolo, for instance? Some food for thought.

If you haven't picked up yet, I am a cricket expansionist who believes Africa has much to offer the cricketing world. I don't believe enough is being done as far as competition and funding for recent and future Test nations. Cricket at the moment is a victim of its own elitism. There needs to be more creative thought and risks to be taken to further this great sport of ours.

I have followed and had a deep respect for Zimbabwean cricket since they first showed up at the 1982 World Cup in England. You with your political and economical problems, small base of players and constant emigration have achieved so much and I believe do not in any way receive enough recognition for this. Respect is certainly the word required when talking Zimbabwean cricket and your cricketers. I now see the great trait of your people both black and white, that of courage and strength of character in the face of adversity. You will always have my respect. Cheers and best of luck!!

Marty Lauritsen (Geraldton, Western Australia)

Reply: Good points made. Midlands do have James Cornford available to play for them again, but firstly ZCU want to give first opportunity to local players with the reduction of teams from six to four, and secondly it is not easy to attract players from abroad at present. As for looking to the rest of Africa, maybe more could be done here, but finance is a major constraint.

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