Zimbabwe Cricket

History

Early years

Following Zimbabwe's independence, the Zimbabwe Cricket Union was elected as an associate member of the ICC on 21 July 1981. The Zimbabwe Cricket Union became a full member of the ICC and gained test status in 1992 and was renamed Zimbabwe Cricket in 2004.

Suspension of Test status

Zimbabwe cricket went through major upheaval during the 2000s. During the 2003 Cricket World Cup, senior team members Andy Flower and Henry Olonga staged a "black armband protest" at the "death of democracy" in Zimbabwe, a reference to the country's political situation. Both players subsequently retired from international cricket. In 2004, the majority of the remaining senior players quit the international game following a player protest triggered by the removal of then-captain Heath Streak, resulting in a very young and inexperienced side being fielded in subsequent series against Sri Lanka and Australia. Zimbabwe's resounding defeats in those series led to the withdrawal of Test status that, apart from a brief resumption in 2005 with series against South Africa, New Zealand and India, remained in place until early 2011.

Return to Test cricket

An improvement in Zimbabwe's on-field performances, including a notable victory over Australia in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 group stages and an overhaul of coaching staff, led to the side's Test status being reinstated, with matches against Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand in late 2011. As part of the lead-up to their Test return, Zimbabwe Cricket announced major upgrades to the Harare Sports Club and Mutare Sports Club grounds. Plans for a new Test ground at Victoria Falls were also revealed. ZC also signed a three-year deal with Reebok worth $1mn to sponsor the domestic competitions and provide the kits of the Zimbabwean national cricket team.

In February 2017, Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed that an academy side would tour England later that year to play fixtures against second-XI sides, including Northamptonshire and Worcestershire. The following players were selected for the squad: Ryan Burl, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Taffy Mupariwa, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Tarisai Musakanda, Tylor Trenoweth, William Mashinge, Faraz Akram, Carl Mumba, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Nyamayaro, Mkhululi Nyathi, Richard Ngarava, Kuziva Ziwira, Thamsanqa Nunu and Brandon Mavuta.

ICC suspension and return

In September 2018, the former national team coach Heath Streak submitted an application to the court to have Zimbabwe Cricket liquidated, in relation to outstanding debts, listing the dues owed to him and other members of his coaching staff, who were all dismissed following their failed World Cup qualifying campaign in March.

In July 2019, the ICC suspended Zimbabwe Cricket, with the team barred from taking part in ICC events, which put their participation in the 2019 ICC Women's World Twenty20 Qualifier and the 2019 ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier tournaments in doubt. Later the same month, the ICC wrote to Zimbabwe Cricket, instructing them to reinstate their board that was elected on 14 June 2019, or risk the termination of their ICC membership. In October 2019, the ICC lifted its suspension on Zimbabwe Cricket, allowing them to take part in future ICC events.

In December 2022, Zimbabwe Cricket announced a six-team T10 tournament which is set to launch in March 2023. It will be called Zim Afro T10. The tournament is the first ever franchise league of the board.

Domestic competitions

• Logan Cup
• Pro50 Championship
• Zimbabwe Domestic Twenty20 Competition
• Zim Afro T10

Teams

Former teams

• Northerns
• Easterns
• Southerns
• Westerns
• Centrals
• Namibia

Cricket grounds in Zimbabwe

Main article: List of cricket grounds in Zimbabwe

References

References

1. (19 September 2006). "A brief history of Zimbabwe cricket".
2. "Cricket Zimbabwe".
3. (21 August 2015). "Mukuhlani replaces Manase as ZC chairman". ESPNcricinfo.
4. (14 June 2022). "Dave Houghton appointed Zimbabwe head coach". [[ESPNcricinfo]].
5. (6 November 2004). "Zimbabwe Cricket Union given a facelift". [[ESPNcricinfo]].
6. (19 September 2006). "A brief history of Zimbabwe cricket".
7. "Cricket Zimbabwe".
8. (16 November 2002). "Zimbabwe: Gaining Test Status".
9. (11 August 2012). "Pride restored: can Zimbabwe Test cricket blossom again?".
10. (6 November 2004). "Zimbabwe Cricket Union given a facelift". [[ESPNcricinfo]].
11. (2013-02-07). "Andy Flower & Henry Olonga: the 'death of democracy' remembered". BBC Sport.
12. "Fixtures {{!".
13. "Zimbabwe news: Zimbabwe plan ground renovation at Harare Sports Club and Mutare Sports club". Cricinfo.
14. "Zimbabwe news: Zimbabwe to build Test ground at Victoria Falls".
15. "Zimbabwe news: Zimbabwe sign $1 million sponsor deal". Cricinfo.
16. "ZC announces 16-member Academy squad for England tour". ESPNcricinfo.
17. "Heath Streak applies for Zimbabwe Cricket to be dissolved". ESPNcricinfo.
18. "ICC board and full council concludes in London". International Cricket Council.
19. "Zimbabwe suspended by ICC over 'government interference'". ESPNcricinfo.
20. "'Unconditionally' reinstate elected board, ICC tells ZC". ESPNcricinfo.
21. "Zimbabwe and Nepal readmitted as ICC members". ESPNcricinfo.
22. "ZC to launch six-team T10 tournament in March 2023". ESPNcricinfo.