Ageless wonder Mpofu set for another legends league in India

VETERAN fast bowler Chris Mpofu, a fan favourite in India, is gearing up for another legends’ league appearance next month.

Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, the 38-year-old continues to defy age, entering the Big League Cricket player auction. Mpofu, affectionately known as “The Magwegwe Express,” has become a celebrated figure in the veterans’ leagues, entertaining fans and reliving cricketing glory.

While awaiting his team assignment, Mpofu’s competitive spirit remains undimmed. He aims to replicate his success in previous leagues, topping the wickets charts and even lifting the championship trophy.

The Big League Cricket stint follows Mpofu’s triumphant Indian Veterans Premier League (IVPL) campaign in March where he secured the title with VVIP Uttar Pradesh.

Mpofu views his participation as a chance to showcase Zimbabwean cricketing talent on the global stage. He aspires to pave the way for other Zimbabwean players to follow in his footsteps and shine internationally.

“I just want to continue topping the bowlers log and keep enjoying the game and show the world that in Zimbabwe we have what it takes to produce great players and all we need are opportunities.

“For the past three seasons, I have been playing these leagues, and I have been in the top five bowlers, and that’s the whole idea — to always be the Haaland of cricket — at the top of the bowlers’ chart and also win more leagues. I have managed two wins and lost one final,” he said.

Playing in the Big League Cricket is yet another chance for him to rub shoulders again with some of the players that he competed against and also watched play in franchise leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The experience and knowledge gained from playing against other decorated and celebrated names in the world of cricket is second to none.

“For me, it has been a dream come true. All the guys I played against when I was in the national team and some I watched in competitions like the IPL for a long time now share the changing rooms with me, and being friends with them is unbelievable.

“There is a lot that I have learnt playing in these leagues. It’s the unity that they create in these leagues, coming from different backgrounds and cultures and races teaches you quite a lot, and I also become more relaxed in my game.

This teaches you to enjoy every moment you get,” said Mpofu.

He said leagues such as the Big League Cricket, Legends League Cricket and IVPL play a crucial role in keeping the sport’s craze alive.

“I think it’s the best thing that has ever happened in cricket because it takes fans back to the heydays watching their heroes going back onto the field.”

In his last appearance in the IVPL, Mpofu was the leading wicket-taker with 15 in seven matches. He was also one of the two bowlers who made a fifer in the tournament with Munaf Patel. He also finished with figures of 3/43 in his four-over spell in the final, helping his team beat Mumbai Champions by six wickets.

For his 15 wickets, he was named bowler of the tournament and winning the tournament served as consolation for losing last year’s final.

Mpofu said it was an honour to play alongside legends such as India’s Suresh Raina.

“It’s just amazing how things are panning out to be in my career. Being captained by one of the greatest, Suresh Raina was amazing,” said Mpofu.

The Magwegwe Express, who also idolises football great Cristiano Ronaldo, believes he still has some gas left in his tank and will continue delivering, especially in legends leagues.

For as long as Ronaldo continues scoring goals, Mpofu says he will equally continue taking wickets.
@brandon_malvin