dyton mupawaenda
IT is not every day that a country deemed small in the global sporting matrix gets to be the focus of attention of one of the world’s biggest international federations.
Yes, Zimbabwe might not be a global sporting powerhouse whether one is looking at it from a rugby, football, netball, athletics, cricket or boxing perspective.
But, this week our beautiful country has been the focal point in the sport they call the gentleman’s game — cricket.
International Cricket Council (ICC) bigwigs, led by chairman Jay Shah, are in the country for the federation’s series of high-level meetings.
Away from the fall of wickets and the bid to put runs on the scoreboard, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) have scored big by being nominated hosts of the important ICC meetings.
The meetings, details for which the ICC top-brass are, in line with their tradition, keeping a tight lid on, began in Harare and will move to the majestic Victoria Falls today and tomorrow.
While the meetings are centred on serious global cricket business, ZC in particular and Zimbabweans at large will no doubt be happy to see this country benefiting from tourism.
And being the focal point of sports tourists coming to dispense with ICC business is just what the doctor may have ordered for Zimbabwe.
Thus, the onus is on ZC chairman Tawengwa Mukuhlani and his board to ensure they make the most of this huge vote of confidence on Zimbabwe by the ICC top brass.
This is because the visit by the ICC board members for the organisation’s high-level meetings in Zimbabwe marks a huge milestone for the country as a tourism as well as a conference destination.
For the first time in the history of the game, Zimbabwe is hosting the key figures in international cricket leadership for the committee and board meetings.
The meetings are focusing on critical governance, strategic and operational matters shaping the future of the sport worldwide.
The choice of Zimbabwe as a venue of the ICC gatherings is a major vote of confidence in the country and also showcases the Southern African country’s growing role in global cricket. And that the ICC select venues for their board meetings based on several factors, including the significance of the location in the cricketing world, logistical convenience and the ability to host high-profile events, puts into perspective the kind of endorsement Zimbabwe has received.
These decisions often reflect strategic goals, such as promoting cricket in specific regions or celebrating milestones.
The ICC also consider the facilities available at the venue, ensuring they meet the requirements for hosting international delegates.
Zimbabwe ticked the boxes!
The organisation has held meetings in various notable locations over the years. Dubai, for instance, has been a frequent host, given its status as the ICC’s headquarters.
Major cricketing nations which include India, England and Australia, have also hosted such meetings, reflecting their prominence in the cricketing world.
ICC meetings do not just take place anywhere; they are often hosted in cities with strong cricketing ties or strategic importance to the federation’s goals.
Zimbabwe is part and parcel of the wider ICC strategic goals, given the country has also hosted several global events in the last few years.
As the gatherings take place in the cosy conference rooms, there are several benefits that come with welcoming such an important delegation, comprising representatives from more than 15 countries.
ICC meetings can significantly impact the host country’s cricketing culture in several ways, which include increased global recognition, development opportunities, cultural exchange prospects, economic benefits as well as act as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers.
Above all, it is a tourism tonic, which the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is likely to and should in fact, leverage.
Hosting ICC meetings places a country in the international spotlight, showcasing its cricketing infrastructure and commitment to the sport.
This can boost the nation’s reputation within the cricketing community.
During the visit, the ICC leadership is likely to get first hand appreciation of the infrastructure and cricket development programmes that ZC are pursuing.
This is also a chance for the domestic cricket authorities to lobby for support as the meetings often lead to discussions about investments in cricketing facilities and programmes.
Zimbabwe are set to host the Under-19 Cricket World Cup next year as well as co-host the 2027 senior men’s cricket World Cup.
As a result of these commitments, there are various projects that are on the ground in preparation for these events, including the construction of the 10 000-seater Victoria Falls International Cricket Stadium in the resort town.
There has also been a hint from Shah that a deal could be worked out between ZC and the ICC on the on-going construction of the Mosi-Oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls.
Through persuasion and diplomacy by Zimbabwe Cricket officials, hosting the game’s leadership in the country could spur infrastructure improvements such as upgraded stadiums and training facilities, benefiting local players and fans in the long run.
Zimbabwe as the host country has the chance to share its unique cricketing traditions and learn from others, fostering a richer cricketing and sporting culture.
The presence of international cricketing figures and discussions about the sport can inspire young players and fans, encouraging greater participation and enthusiasm for cricket.
Hosting such a bigger number of delegates at one go could stimulate the local economy through tourism, hospitality, and related industries, indirectly supporting cricket development.
The tourism and hospitality industries should bring their A-game during this period. This is a big chance for tour operators in Victoria Falls to market the country to the world.
This is a platform to showcase the beauty, warmth and hospitality of our nation to the rest of the world.
And ZC, ZTA and all well-meaning Zimbabwean tourism stakeholders must welcome the platform which the ICC visit presents, with warm and open arms.
But the mere fact that the ICC meetings are being held in Zimbabwe is already a huge win for the country, amid the belief that this nation can play a pivotal in the growth of cricket around Africa.
Online Reporter