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This has probably been the most positive two weeks in Zimbabwean cricket since the player exodus. Two wins against Bangladesh in Bangladesh and the inclusion of a Zim side in the Indian domestic competition (as reported by cricinfo). It's a shame it wasn't in the SA domestic tournament but the more first class cricket this side is playing the better. It also gives some oppurtunities to develop some depth. I think Zimbabwe should look to regaining test status over the next 5-10 years.

Oh this is great news for Zimbabwe. Here is the link: http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/zimbabw ... 87640.html

Hope I can meet a few of the youngsters when they are in Bangalore.

Well,it's a good move!

Competitive FC cricket is played in India.It's a very good chance for the young players to gain more experience in the way of coming back in the test arena.Indian pitches are also sporting too usually.So,it will give the players a chance to show some performance both with the bat and ball.

Excellent news. I'd expect the team to struggle quite badly in the Duleep Trophy, the standard is very high, and the last time a Zim team played in that competition, they were useless. Should still be excellent experience, and hopefully get a few wins in the ODs.

Good news, it's about time that the BCCI did something to help Zimbabwean cricket.

Does anyone know anything about this Buchi Babu tournament, is it 1st class/List A ?

Train Driver wrote:Does anyone know anything about this Buchi Babu tournament, is it 1st class/List A ?

Full title appears to be the Buchi Babu All-India Invitational - it's a season curtain-raiser, three-day matches, usually in September. Not sure if the matches officially count as First Class, but given the lack of info on CricInfo about the tourney, I doubt it.

Only problem with the zonal competitions is that Zim will be lucky to get 2 games in each - we really need to be back into the South African tournaments, where they'd get a good number of games under their belts.

maehara wrote:Full title appears to be the Buchi Babu All-India Invitational - it's a season curtain-raiser, three-day matches, usually in September

Yes it is, and I'm not completely sure, but feel that it is not FC. But over the years Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Mumbai teams have sent their strongest teams (effectively their FC teams as a preparation for Ranji season). Last year Rahul Dravid, who was woefully out of form and confidence, played in this series for Karnataka to regain some of his confidence. Anil Kumble used this tournament to come back from his career threatening injury layoff in 2001.

If not anything else, the Zim team would have access to the state of the art MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai, and the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore, along with some well known coaching staff.

Its nice to hear that Zimbabwe is coming to India after a gap.Infact, I hope I can see a few matches of Buchi Babu All India Invitational Cricket tournament as it will be in Chennai.
But, considering the tournaments, domestic cricket structure in India is very solid nowadays.
Duleep trophy will have the best 5 teams in the country with atleast 3-4 Team India members in each side.So I feel that , for this tournament Zimbabwe should field the entire national team with the likes of Williams and Taibu.Otherwise, it will be mishap in the side of Zimbabwe.
But, in Buchi babu, the sides will be not as strong as it will feature individual states of India or combination of zones.As these are 3 day tournaments, Zimbabwe can look for better results as they can manage a first innings lead or perhaps a victory itself.
For Zim, greatest opportunity will be Deodhar trophy as it is 1 day format.With the spinning attack we have, if our batting comes good, surely Zim can grab some victories.
As a whole, 1 thing is underlined, Zimbabwe should field their National XI itself for success.

I've just found a scorecard from a Buchi Babu Tournament match played in september 2008.

http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/S ... 85790.html

I don't think, if this a usual BB scorecard, that it is anything more than a 'friendly' fixture.