NEW: Musonda ready to welcome fans

Online Reporter

LADY CHEVRONS skipper Mary-Anne Musonda has welcomed the return of fans to stadia, as Zimbabwe readies to take on Bangladesh in a limited-overs series at Queens Sports Club next month.

This follows the decision by Government, through the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), to allow a limited number of fans into the grounds for the tour.

The number of fans for cricket will be limited to just 1 000, with only those that are vaccinated allowed into the grounds.

The SRC said fans will be required to produce vaccination cards, and adhere to existing Covid-19 protocols.

“I am really happy about the announcement that spectators are now being allowed,” said the Lady Chevrons skipper.

“It’s a good start allowing 1 000 people into the grounds, and for us hosting Bangladesh next month we need everyone supporting us.

“The fans being physically there, I can only imagine the amount of impact that it will have on us as a team,” she said.

According to a press release from Zimbabwe Cricket, the Lady Chevrons’ three-match ODI series against Bangladesh will be used as a trial run for the eventual safe return of spectators to stadiums.

“A limited number of spectators will be allowed into the stadium to watch the one-day international series between Zimbabwe Women and Bangladesh Women at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo next month, provided they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19,” reads the statement.

“The ODIs between Zimbabwe Women and Bangladesh Women – scheduled for November 10, 12, and 15 at Queens Sports Club – will thus serve as a trial run for the safe return of spectators to stadiums.”

Musonda’s sentiments were shared by Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Givemore Makoni.

“We have missed the excitement and energy that fans bring to the game of cricket, and we will be thrilled to safely welcome them for the first time in nearly two years as we host Bangladesh Women at Queens Sports Club in November,” said Makoni.

“As excitement builds ahead of that crucial series, we take this opportunity to encourage all cricket lovers to ensure that they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 in order for them to be permitted into the ground,” he said.

The Bangladesh series will be the Lady Chevrons’ last stop before hosting the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier (2021) tournament.

The ten-team tournament will be held from November 21-December 5 in Harare.