zimcricketforums.com

Cricket relations between ZC and CSA restored


ZIMBABWE Cricket, in a week which they went the franchise route in the administration of the domestic game got a further shot in the arm when Cricket South Africa agreed to resume bilateral relations in a meeting held in Johannesburg on Friday.
The crucial meeting was attended by ZC Managing Director Ozias Bvute, board president Peter Chingoka and board member Wilson Manase in a move that brings a lot of hope to the local game in light of the past frosty relations due to a political stalemate in the country that has since ebbed off.

But since the advent of the new establishment in the country, relations have significantly improved prompting the ZC/CSA rebonding. “The South African board has decided to resume bilateral ties with Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) in light of the change in the nature of the government in Zimbabwe. The decision was taken at a Cricket South Africa (CSA) board meeting on Friday that was also attended by ZC president, Peter Chingoka MD Ozias Bvute and ZC board member Wilson Manase,” a statement on CSA website said.

Following the move taken by CSA last year to suspend the bilateral relations with the ZC, over matters political, the crucial breakthrough breathes a lot of life to the local game, that has behind closed doors, improved.

ZC Managing Director, Bvute told the website that: “We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the meeting and are grateful to our neighbours for this show of support. We are confident that this development can only improve our structures, from the age-group level right up to the national men’s team”.

A draft report has been presented to the ICC's executive board asking members to assist the development of cricket in Zimbabwe in the aftermath of political malaise that ate into the game in the ultimate.

In a follow up to the ground breaking reenactment of relations CSA president Mtutuzeli Nyoka sent a memorandum to all affiliates and associates as well as the CEOs of the franchises in a response to ZC request for the formal restoration of the previous relations.

A coordinating committee will be set up to do a joint needs analysis with ZC, with the view to implementing policy decisions that will enable Zimbabwe’s return to Test cricket in a time frame of three to five years.

The analysis will cover all areas of Zimbabwe cricket and with the advent of franchise cricket; the blue print looks a perfect doctor’s order for the game. The co-ordinating committee will comprise CSA CEO, Gerald Majola as chairman, Colin Beggs chairman of CSA audit committee, vice-president of CSA Ray Mali, representing the board of CSA.

Tony Irish CEO, SA Cricketers' Association and Jacques Faul representing the franchise CEOs will complete the task force charged with ensuring maximum assistance to Zimbabwe cricket and its game.

CSA restores Zim Cricket relations

By Mehluli Sibanda

CRICKET South Africa has reinstated bilateral ties with Zimbabwe Cricket in yet another positive development for local cricket.


The decision to resume ties with Zimbabwe which were cut in June last year when CSA, then led by Norman Arendse, succumbed to political pressure, was arrived at during a CSA board meeting held in Johannesburg on Friday.

ZC chairman Peter Chingoka, board member Wilson Manase and managing director Ozias Bvute attended the meeting. The CSA board led by Mtutuzeli Nyoka appointed a five man co-ordinating committee to do a joint analysis with Zimbabwe on areas in which Zimbabwe needs assistance.

The committee would be visiting the country soon to identify areas in which the country needs support.

CSA chief executive officer Gerald Majola, chairman of the CSA audit committee Colin Beggs, CSA vice-president Ray Mali, South Africa Cricket Association chief executive officer Tony Irish and franchise chief executive officers’ representative Jacques Faul make up the committee.

ZC head of media and communications Shingai Rhuhwaya said the cricket mother body was delighted by the development.

“As Zimbabwe Cricket we are excited about the outcome of the meeting and we are grateful to the support from Cricket South Africa,” said Rhuhwaya yesterday.

Under the previous bilateral agreement between CSA and ZC entered into in 2007, South Africa sent their A side to play two first class matches against a full strength Zimbabwe side in August 2007, the senior national side took on Zimbabwe in a three match One-day International series in September of that year and the Cricket South Africa Academy toured the country for matches against Zimbabwe A.

A full strength Zimbabwe side took part in the MTN Domestic championship and the Standard Bank Pro20 tournament while Zimbabwe A participated in the South Africa Airways Challenge three-day and limited overs competition.

Zimbabwe were supposed to enter a side in the SuperSport series, South Africa’s premier first class competition but the move came under opposition from South Africa’s powerful franchise sides.

The renewal of ties means Zimbabwe will be entered into SA’s tournaments for next season. With Zimbabwe already incorporated in the India domestic set-up and Zimbabwe A to take part in the International Cricket Council Intercontinental Cup where they will play against ICC affiliate members, the country’s top cricketers will continue to get exposed to a high level of cricket and this will assist in Zimbabwe’s quest to return to Test cricket.