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Blessing Malinganiza
SIKANDAR RAZA says cricket in Zimbabwe is not on the decline, but other countries were improving while the Chevrons were at a standstill.
The Chevrons have had a nightmarish year in which they lost a home limited overs series to Ireland, for the first time, and failed to qualify for the next ICC T20 World Cup.
They were beaten by Namibia and Uganda.
“Some people would think that our cricket is on a decline whereas I think our cricket is actually at a standstill when other countries are improving,” said Raza.
“We have earned the respect of world cricket.
“I think it’s very important that we understand that and we cannot go backwards and you can only earn the respect of world cricket by playing good cricket and producing those results and that’s as simple as that.”
He said the absence of some senior players in the just-ended series against Ireland allowed upcoming players to raise their hands TO BE picked for future national team assignments.
The Chevrons included two previously uncapped players, Brian Bennet and Trevor Gwandu, for the T20 series and then had a ‘new-look’ squad for the ODI series.
Craig Ervine, Sean Williams and Brad Evans were ruled out of the tour due to injuries while Ryan Burl joined the injury list during the ODI series.
“I have said to the new guys coming in, that opportunities come in funny ways.
“When one door closes for someone else, the other one opens, it’s similar to you guys as well.
“Had Craig or myself or maybe Williams or Brad or some of the other guys not got injured or suspended, then the opportunity might have been difficult to get, so treat this as an opportunity and try and grab the opportunity and you never know what happens after.
“If you have the right mindset, if you have the hunger and desire to be successful in international cricket, our domestic cricket is still very good for those who want to learn and those who want to get better.”
Online Reporter