Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) says it is ready for the upcoming tour by former world champions and cricket power house, India early next month.
By Lovejoy Mutongwiza
The tour which starts on 11 May at Harare Sports Club, includes 3One Day Internationals and the same number of Twenty 20 International matches at the same venue.
Players commenced training last month with much emphasis on physical training and the players have been put into two groups, one being led by head coach Dave Watmore while the other is led by bowling Coach Makhaya Ntini.
In an interview with 263chat, ZC communications manager, Darlington Majonga said the team is in good shape and with injury concerns
“As you are aware that during the world cup we had three of our players injured but I can confirm that they are all back in camp and fighting for their places for the India tour.
I’m happy to announce that we have a clean bill of health as we do not have any new injury concerns. All players are going through physical conditioning under the watchful eyes of our coaches.
We hope that the boys stay fit for the tour and we are looking forward to having all of them when the teams lock horns.”
Majonga also clarified on the captaincy issue saying they have not appointed a new captain as Hamilton Masakadza remains the skipper across all formats. He said any changes will be announced.
Zimbabwe men’s team will be playing their first competitive match since their dismal performance at the ICC T20 world Cup held in India which was won by West Indies.
There have been reports that ZC is in financial dire and might fail to host any tours this year, but Majonga assured cricket fans that they are running around so that by the time descends on these shores, everything will be In place.
“It is no secret that ZC is not financially sound but I want to assure everyone that we are working around the clock to make sure that all the finer details are in place before the games begin.
“We are also looking forward to hosting more teams this year and our schedule we have New Zealand who we hope to play in July or August.
We are also looking forward to having Sri Lanka later in the year and maybe add another one before the year ends. So fans can look forward to more cricket this year.
Asked to comment on why there is no decentralization of games around the country as all games are played in Harare, Majonga said it comes down to logistical and financial concerns
“We would love to take the game to all corners of the country like Kwekwe and Mutare but again financial constraints hamper that move. We hope in the coming tours we will be able to take the game to those places.”
Zimbabwe men’s team will be playing their first competitive match since their dismal performance at the ICC T20 world Cup held in India which was won by West Indies.
