Zim A to play in Africa Premier League

[Boundary]

http://www.newsday.co.zw/article/2010-0 ... ier-league

The Zimbabwe A cricket team will from next year receive more game time when they participate in the inaugural Africa Premier League.

The new continental showpiece is the brainchild of Kenyan Cassim Suliman, the chief executive officer of the Africa Cricket Association.

The Africa Premier League is scheduled to have its first edition in April next year involving South Africa A, Zimbabwe A, Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and there is also a possibility of a combined West African team.

Although Zimbabwean cricket standards are way above some of the African nations, the tournament will play a big part in preparing upcoming young players for the international stage.

The latest tournament will be a huge boost to Zimbabwe’s efforts in building a bigger player base in preparation for a return to Test cricket.

Prior to this initiative, the Africa Cricket Association was the only International Cricket Council’s development region not to have its own biennial tournament for non-Test nations.

Methinks it should be South Africa D and Zim C side for this to be meaningful or maybe the Under 19 sides. Is it too insulting?

[eugene]

I don't these sorts of matches are much use to us. Perhaps we should send the under 10's side and South Africa could send their under 5's.

[auszim]

Yes it might be a practice match for us and SA but if we want cricket to grow as an international game then these sort of leagues are important. Plus i think the more we play as Zimbabwe - be it an A side, it will only build the strength and trust amongst the team

I personally know that when countries play second rate sides against us it is frustrating and how can we gauge where we need to improve or where we stand in comparison to the stronger nations.

Why not give lesser cricketing nations in africa a chance...long term who knows what it might lead to

[brmtaylor.com admin]

I don't think it is insulting, I agree with what auszim said. Zimbabwe and South Africa have a moral obligation to help African cricket by throwing support behind tournaments like this.

[maehara]

ACA's a development organisation, this is a development tournament - not for our benefit, but for the associate / affiliate sides taking part. As a Full Member it's one of ZC's responsibilities to support the development programmes, and good to them for taking that responsibility seriously - there are many other Full Members who don't.

As for the 'A' side taking part: as auszim says, it's team-building experience for them, and the weaker opposition means they can play about with lineups and fringe players without too much risk of coming unstuck. It may not help us in terms of playing standards, but there are other benefits.

Snarky comments about sending an U5 side aren't helpful or clever.

[Robin]

It's great to see Zim contributing to the development of cricket in Africa.

I'm sure Zim's involvement will also be partly funded (at least) by the ICC.

It will also give opportunities for young Zim players to play cricket and to develop the skills.

Zim needs to increase the pool of players and their standard to improve not just 1st class cricket but club cricket etc as well. The higher the standard at all levels will improve the standard of youngsters coming through.

It's definitely a good thing - the players who will be playing in these matches what would they be doing otherwise? I'm guessing the team will be made up of franchise fringe players and U19's.

Is a Zim Baoard XI going to play in the RSA CSA Provincial comp this year?

[maehara]

Is a Zim Baoard XI going to play in the RSA CSA Provincial comp this year?

Nope, unless there's a late addition - fixture lists for the 3-day and 1-day comps are out and no Zimbabwean side features.

[eugene]

The only reason Zimbabwe Cricket is taking part in these tournaments is because they can't get matches against anyone else. I doubt it has anything to do with some moral obligation to spread the gospel of cricket across the African continent.

That being said, if it allows some fringe players to strike some form and confidence I guess it wont be a complete waste.

[aydee]

The only reason Zimbabwe Cricket is taking part in these tournaments is because they can't get matches against anyone else. I doubt it has anything to do with some moral obligation to spread the gospel of cricket across the African continent.

That being said, if it allows some fringe players to strike some form and confidence I guess it wont be a complete waste.

SA A are taking part as well...

[eugene]

I would be surprised if they send their A-side. Probably under 19s or players on the provincial fringes. I guess we will find out soon enough.