Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S cricket has been growing in leaps and bounds, forcing its way among the top three sporting disciplines in the country, together with football and rugby.
For years, Zimbabwean cricket fans have longed for one thing — more cricket. They were tired of so much talk, not promises and they wanted to enjoy actual game time.
However, in the ongoing 2025 season, that wish has finally been granted. Zimbabwe will, as reported in earlier in this publication, play 11 Test matches — more than many of the world’s leading cricket nations by year-end.
It is a statement of intent, a sign that Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) are finally investing in what really matters: giving our national teams the opportunity to compete, learn and grow.
From touring England for a Test match at Trent Bridge, albeit for the first time in 22 years, to hosting South Africa and New Zealand and Bangladesh and beyond, this packed calendar represents a bold departure from the past that had characterised Zimbabwe’s flagship cricket team — the Chevrons.
That it is in Test cricket that the game’s status lies, as the sport’s most traditional and prestigious format, underscores the significance of Zimbabwe to be regularly playing and testing their endurance and temperament in this form.
Between 2017 and 2024, Zimbabwe managed just 14 Tests in total. Now, in a single year, they will play almost as many matches. This appears to be a welcome and deliberate strategy by ZC to restore Zimbabwe’s rightful place among active cricketing nations.
It is easy to forget that sport improves only through play. You cannot build experience in boardrooms or practice nets alone.
The best lessons come from the middle — facing world-class opposition, enduring tough sessions, and finding ways to win.
ZC’s decision to allocate resources towards more matches is a commitment to development through exposure. It is the same logic that underpins every successful sporting nation.
Playing in Test matches does not come cheap and for Zimbabwe, one of the smaller nations in that arena, to be playing regularly is a huge and commendable effort that must be supported by the game’s stakeholders.
Global cricket giants Australia on Thursday reported US$7 million losses from playing some Tests despite having raked in huge sums of money from hosting heavyweights India.
This is a nation whose Cricket Board has a reported net worth US$79 million and more than double Zimbabwe’s and only second behind India, who are on a net of US$2,2 billion.
Thus, the challenges faced by Cricket Australia put into perspective the mountains that ZC appear to have moved to keep the game alive.
Commendably for the ZC leadership, they have tried to strike a balance between playing as many Tests as they have done in 2025 for the Chevrons and ensuring that the Women’s side – the Lady Chevrons and the Under-19 teams for both men and women are not neglected along the way.
It is a noble initiative which their counterparts at the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), the Zimbabwe Rugby union (ZRU), Tennis Zimbabwe (TZ), Hockey Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) among others could draw huge lessons from.
The sports associations in the country would need to demonstrate that they do not merely exists for the senior national teams and give equal attention and resources to other facets of their disciplines especially women and the development structures.
ZC’s decision to play more Test matches has been a renewal of hope for the aspiring cricketers and those currently in the national teams.
Interestingly, this renewal of purpose is also reflected off the field.
Zimbabwe’s cricket leadership is gaining international recognition, with ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani now holding key positions in global and continental cricket governance.
His growing influence particularly his role as Africa Cricket Association (ACA) chair, reflects respect for Zimbabwe’s administration and its role in shaping the future of the game.
Strong leadership at that level translates into credibility and opportunities for the country’s players and programmes.
At the same time, the return of senior players such as Brendan Taylor and Graeme Cremer adds experience and stability to a talented but youthful squad. Their presence bridges generations and blends wisdom, mentorship, and belief that Zimbabwean cricket’s best days can still lie ahead.
Importantly, this investment is not limited to the men’s game. The women’s and girls’ teams are also travelling, competing, and qualifying for global tournaments.
ZC’s financial commitment to send teams abroad, host international qualifiers, and expand the domestic calendar is creating pathways that were once impossible.
We believe that this is how you build depth and sustainability by giving the game room to breathe.
Of course, challenges remain abound in the sport — facilities need maintenance, the team needs to find and maintain consistency in their performance and financial management must stay prudent.
It should not be taking as long as two decades to celebrate the kind of innings victory which the Chevrons served to their fans last week, which coach Justin Sammons and his players can rightfully cherish for a long time to come.
But the direction is right.
The fact that Zimbabwe are again a fixture on the Test calendar, playing more often than some of the sport’s richest boards is something to celebrate, not question.
Cricket is a game of rhythm, and Zimbabwe have found their beat again. The players are getting the exposure they need.
The administrators are showing belief. And the nation, once again, has reason to dream. Because in sport, as in life, you only get better by playing and ZC are doing just that.
