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Fungai Muderere
AFTER playing three Logan Cup matches at their new base in Harare, Matabeleland Tuskers are yet to register a win at “home”.
Accommodation costs in Bulawayo reportedly cost Matabeleland Tuskers home advantage as they have been forced to play their three Logan Cup first class cricket home fixtures at Old Hararians in Harare. In fact, all of Tuskers’ remaining five Logan Cup matches will be played in Harare. Tuskers headed to Harare two weeks ago.
Their first game against Mashonaland Eagles and their game against Midwest Rhinos did not produce any result owing to disturbances that rocked the country last week. They went on to lose by seven wickets at the hands of Mashonaland Eagles. Captained by John Nyumbu, Tuskers will also find their way to the capital city in February, for Logan Cup assignments against Mountaineers, who they face twice, first at Harare Sports Club then at Old Hararians with the other fixture against Rhinos at Harare Sports Club.
Mountaineers have also been affected by the accommodation expenses with their home matches to be played in Harare. Queens Sports Club and Mutare Sports Club will only be used as venues for the Pro50 Championship at the end of March to the beginning of April.
Even though no official comment could be obtained from Zimbabwe Cricket media and communications manager, Darlington Majonga, sources told this publication that it cost $9 000 to accommodate a team in Bulawayo for a Logan Cup encounter. With Zimbabwe Cricket still to fully get out of their dire financial situation, it made sense to play matches in Harare where players can be accommodated at the Academy House.
“Accommodating a team in Bulawayo costs as much as $9 000 for just one Logan Cup match so matches will be played in Harare where players can stay at the Academy House. Bulawayo and Mutare will host Pro50 Championship matches,’’ the source said.
derick.khumalo