Amidst the ongoing franchise cricket leagues across the world, now such a tournament has been announced in Zimbabwe as well. Zimbabwe Cricket has announced its first privately owned franchise league, a T10 tournament, set up with Mulk International, the founding company of Abu Dhabi T10.
The six-team tournament will be held in March 2023 and will be called Jim Afro T10. Abu Dhabi T10 is being played since 2017 and has just completed its 6th season. “We are delighted to announce the launch of Zimbabwe’s very own franchise-based T10 league, a powerful format the fast-paced world needs,” said ZC Chairman Tawngwa Mukuhalani.
Attracts top players from around the world
ZC expects the tournament to attract top players from around the world. This will be the first time in more than a decade. They last attracted big names with the Stanbic T20. The competition featured 20 overseas names including Chris Gayle and Shaun Tait in Zimbabwe's five domestic teams. It was owned and operated by ZC. It was played for three seasons and has since been absent from Zimbabwe's domestic competitions.
Zimbabwe cricket is facing a financial crisis
Zimbabwe cricket is facing a financial crisis. In such a situation, this league can prove to be a lifeline for them. The ICC has been hit with a temporary ban on its administration and some of its biggest name players (Heath Streak and Brendan Taylor) have been banned. The Zimbabwe men's team made it to the Super 12 of the recent T20 World Cup. The participating franchises, player auction dates, fixtures, and other details will be announced at a later date, with the tournament set to begin on March 29, 2023.
