The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
Sports Correspondent
IT is a new year, and in cricket, this would be called a “new innings.”
After all the usual pre-match protocols, there is so much to consider in this gentlemen’s game, which led the return of sport during last year’s coronavirus-induced lockdown.
So it might be new innings, but the “new normal” seems to be here to stay.
Zimbabwe cricket returns to action with a T20 tournament that will be starting in Harare tomorrow.
It will also be held in a bio-secure bubble again.
The same concept was used for the two rounds of the Logan Cup last month.
The big picture
If things go as planned or expected, 2021 could be a busy year for Zimbabwe Cricket.
However, with the uncertainty in the world right now, it is important to take it ball-by-ball.
In that case, it would not be prudent to look far ahead on the Chevrons’ fixtures, but perhaps focus on the opening tour of the year.
So whatever domestic cricket that has been played so far this season, the focus is Zimbabwe’s series against Afghanistan to be played in India or the UAE in February.
It will be a historic Test series between two teams that have become fierce rivals.
The series also features T20 Internationals, hence ZC started the season with a few Logan Cup matches, which will be followed by the T20 tournament starting tomorrow at Harare Sports Club and Old Hararians.
Two matches are on tomorrow, with defending champions Tuskers taking on Eagles at Old Hararians.
Rhinos and Rocks clash at Harare Sports Club.
Mountaineers are on a bye.
Which stars will shine?
Last year was largely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic as a number of fixtures were postponed.
But there were some players who were really outstanding.
Blessing Muzarabani made a superb return to international cricket by guiding Zimbabwe to a Super Over ODI win over Pakistan.
Sikandar Raza won the Caribbean Premier League with Trinbago Knight Riders.
Another highlight was the retirement of Elton Chigumbura from international cricket.
But this is a new year.
There are questions on who will be the new stars and speculation on possible retirements from international cricket.
There are some exciting names to look out for.
In his few international innings, Wesley Madhevere has shown that he belongs to the big stage.
Victor Nyauchi, Kevin Kasuza, Prince Masvaure and Regis Chakabva were Tests “specialists” last year.
Will it be the same story considering the Zimbabwe Tests fixture programme is thin?
There is also an athlete called Tanaka Chivanga playing for Eagles.
All these years he has been developing his cricket in South Africa and if his two first-class matches are anything to go by, then Zimbabwe might have a new exciting fast bowler.
Time will tell.
ZC on a fresh page
Givemore Makoni has been appointed the substantive managing director of ZC, and the organisation has dealt with what chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani called “the elephant in the room” — that is the well-storied ZC debts and financial woes.
After dicing with suspension by the International Cricket Council in 2019, ZC have done well to keep the game afloat.
But there will still be under the spotlight.
What do they do next and what sort of state will the game be in?
So a new innings has begun.
There will be tough spells as well as good ones, but whatever happens, the game should win.
Sportspersons know very well that there is no “I” in a team.
Let the game win!
