Online Reporter
Collin Matiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Zimbabwe international Stuart Carlisle is happy to be ploughing back to the growth of local cricket.
He has partnered with a group of Australian cricket development coaches who are in the country to foster development initiatives.
Peter Buchanan and Trevor Chappell are in Zimbabwe to train hundreds of young players through Grassroots Cricket.
It is a non-profit organisation that uses the sport to promote youth development, education and community empowerment.
Carlisle and his Absolute Sports are the attire sponsor for the coaches, who are conducting coaching clinics in the country throughout this month.
“I have always, as an individual, wanted to give back to cricket in Zimbabwe in some way or form, and be part of offering whatever opportunities there may be to all kids in general,” said Carlisle.
“This country is enriched with naturally talented kids and I feel Grassroots Cricket is the perfect foundation to partner with.
“It’s the right pathway to get kids off the streets and away from potential bad influences, while offering them better life opportunities.
“It is my absolute pleasure to be a part of this great initiative.”
Carlisle played 37 Test matches and 111 One Day Internationals for Zimbabwe.
He also captained the team briefly, leading them in six Tests and 12 ODIs, and achieving a 2–3 result in an ODI series in India.
He has the unique distinction of being the only Zimbabwean player to have scored both ODI and Test centuries against Australia.
This year’s programme will take Buchanan and Chappell to high-density suburbs in Harare, Bulawayo, Chitungwiza and Shamva.
As part of this year’s programme, Grassroots Cricket has also partnered with the Redcliff Primary School Alumni, which mobilised cricket equipment from the United Kingdom.
The equipment will support the school’s first-ever cricket coaching clinics, helping introduce more children to the sport and broaden opportunities for young players.
