Taibu to launch Zim Cricket Academy based in Merseyside!

[Mueddie28]

I don't get it either.
Apart from the concerns Googly has raised, I noted that in the interview Taibu has said that one of the prime object it's is to get the boys used to overseas conditions in England.

Firstly, we don't play England. We literally have sanctions from england. It might change, but this is the status quo and Taibu would be taking a huge punt on something that hasn't happened yet.

Secondly, England has unique conditions from the fact that it is the only test county that plays in a cold climate. The rest are hot stinky countries except NZ, however NZs Summer is warm and no one plays NZ at home in winter. So the experience isn't that urgent whatsoever.

Thirdly,
Can anyone not see the problem with sending Sending Zimbabwes finest young talent in the heart of England to learn? Would you ask a lion to babysit a rabbit? With England's history, and their first world creature comforts, I find it naive to think that these boys may all of a sudden develop an urge to be county professionals or England players instead. Even the negros, they are playing and kicking in England under the eye of all of the county scouts and English coaches.


It's like letting your teenage virgin daughter go on a camping trip with a bunch of older lebs because they seemed nice. Naive.

Good Intentions. Bad judgment

It's a noble idea....How many Cricketers have we lost going abroad...
Let them play in England & develop when they come back they will be ready.
.Right now we are stack with Chigs, Waller, Hami, Panyangara etc.
A year or 2 of development for these kids would benefit Zimbabwe... Hopefully they let these kids sign a contract that wouldn't allow them to sign a Kolpak

[Kriterion_BD]

Yes but playing against county 2nd XIs will be better than random clubs. Ashraful once played for a Rainhill CC and dominated with bat and ball. In the end it was largely meaningless as his career never really got going excpet the odd brilliant knock. But he was probably not consistent enough to have played in a siginficantly better league.

Some random Taibu/Matsikenyeri Development XI won't be playing county seconds. The article mentioned development squads, which probably means it'll be like the Hampshire Cricket Board Chairman's U-17 Academy XI or something.

Took Taibu at his word. Besides, they would likely play a single 3 dayer vs a County 2nd XI. That is still good.

But the Dogg makes a point, at least a few guys would probably stay behind even if its just to work at Tesco.

[Googly]

Visa requirements are possibly an issue. I would think they need to to be signed by a club in order to process the paperwork expeditiously unless this is being organized on a more official level? Maybe it's being done with the assistance of the ICC and /or ECB.
Mueddie, there's no Kolpak deal unless they've played Test cricket, which most/all haven't. Nobody from this intake would be lost to County cricket unless they went through a seven year qualification process. Staying in England for 7 years would require applying for political asylum or asylum from ZC
There are currently so many Zimbos in England, but they are making it more and more difficult to enter and even more difficult to stay.
The sudden rushing around organizing trials would suggest they want to do it this season and the clock is ticking for player registration because I'm sure there's a cut-off date. This sudden last minute decision to do this is what's got my attention.
Once again it sounds like they are trying to comply with some ICC ultimatums because I'm sure there's a few being put on the table around about now.
Their reluctance to use Gary Brent's set up or to resurrect the CFX Academy is strange because the facilities are there and there's expertise in Brent and Brown.
Two unqualified coaches and questionable facilities in England does not an academy make. The main upside is that there will be regular games if they get there. Here we cancel games for the flimsiest of reasons, their club schedules are extremely well organized. I'm sure Gargamel, Jimmy, Rupeni etc know what's going on- enlighten us gentlemen.

[Kriterion_BD]

Playing in English conditions is going to be valuable for any young non-English cricketer, provided the standard of the opposition is at a mimimal level. There are leagues where a guy like Maruma would hit double centuries every other game...that league won't do any good for anyone aspiring to play at the Test/ODI level for ZIM.

Yes, all 10 Test nations have conditions that are unique. But generally speaking playing the swinging ball in England will put in good stead to deal with the swinging ball in India, or New Zealand. Its about refining your technique and your experience so you can adapt to something when you need to. No one expects you to just take a wicket with you on tour so you have something familiar. Its about learning and improving your skills and technique.

[Flakeman]

There's also the new Visa regulations regarding cricketers. Useless pommies trying to mess everything up for cricketers. So they will have to have something in place with the ECB.

[Googly]

What new visa requirements, Flakeman?
How did trials go? Have they chosen the players yet?

[Flakeman]

If any player has played even 1 FC match, he is now considered a pro and will more than likely be rejected by Home Affairs. No idea why they're doing this.

No I don't know what's gone on at those trials, Harare ones are this Friday I believe. Might go see what actually becomes of it.

[Googly]

Ok so that would mean he would have to apply for a Tier 5 visa. Tricky. Just read up on it, Home Office supposedly sent ECB a letter to this effect. More likely that ECB asked Home Office to send them the letter so they aren't the perpetual bad guys.

[Googly]

Something odd with this decision because it only really effects guys wanting to play club cricket. The numerous agents are going to find their businesses affected as well because their bread and butter is sourcing decent cricketers for the clubs. It's going to be easier to get in there as a refugee than a seasonal cricketer.

[Googly]

They will also get a reaction from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, where a lot of English cricketers go to play their winter cricket. I guess more information will materialise shortly.