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TO try and mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the finances of the sport, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) made an unpopular decision to cut the salaries of players.
It may have seemed like a harsh decision at the time but as explained by ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani pay cuts were a necessary evil to ensure the survival of the game.
While some might have forgotten that the boys endured pay cuts at the beginning of the year, Tuesday’s historic win in Pakistan could serve as a reminder that a little bit of pain is sometimes necessary when going through hard times.
A lot of lessons can be drawn from how ZC has managed to steer the game back to normal, albeit in small baby steps, from the clutches of a Covid-19 era and crawl back to normalcy.
Other sports codes can borrow a page or two from ZC’s handbook on how sport in general can re-adjust to suit the conditions favourable to survive in a coronavirus pandemic.
The disease is here for the long run but sport must go on, after all it’s a bread and butter matter for athletes and all who are involved in the sector.
Without seeing international cricket action for the better part of the year owing to Covid-19- induced lockdowns world over, the Chevrons surprised many with that win in Rawalpindi to claim their first points of the Cricket World Cup Super League.
It was good to notice some brilliant bowling from man of the match Blessing Muzarabani which was complemented by the seasoned pair of Brendan Taylor and Sikandar Raza who got the much-needed runs for the historic win.
We believe that these are the positive developments that can continue to come our way especially if our national teams get all the necessary support from their respective associations or boards.
While Covid-19 has had negative effects on all the games, a spirit of working together between our sports associations and their respected players needs to be prioritised.
There is a need for other sporting associations to emulate the ZC board, as gone are the days that people go and represent the country in low spirits and as a divided lot.
It cannot be over emphasised that a collective effort, just like what ZC did, is greatly needed for this sport loving nation to conquer the world.
The Chevrons’ blending of Chamunorwa Chibhabha, and other experienced campaigners such as Taylor, Raza, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams and Elton Chigumbura with young talent in the form of ex-Under-19 stars Wesley Madhevere, Richard Ngarava and Milton Shumba, was a good move.
That should serve as an inspiration to other national team selectors not to totally overlook young players even for make or break international encounters.
We also believe the bio-bubble training setup was a noble idea for the cricket side as it obviously allowed the boys not only stay focused on their preparations but also to bond and share ideas among themselves.
The bubble concept should be an eye opener for other sporting disciplines as the “new normal” seems to have positively impacted on Chevrons’ quest for glory and against all odds it can still be done.
Online Reporter