adminJeffrey Murimbechi Sports Correspondent
FORMER national cricket captain Prosper Utseya has expressed concern over the team’s preparations for the ICC World T20 tournament in Bangladesh in March. The ICC have included a knock-out qualification stage, prior to the event, and Zimbabwe and Bangladesh have to play the preliminary stage of the tourney.
Zimbabwe last played a competitive international match in September against Pakistan.
“These are not the ideal preparations for this kind of tournament, especially at a stage where we have to qualify into it against teams that are very eager to make a name and gain ranking points,” said Utseya.
The standoff between players and the Zimbabwe Cricket board brought the domestic first-class game to a halt in December when players refused to play because of unpaid salaries and allowances.
The ZC don’t have a sponsor for their domestic tournaments.
According to the ZC domestic calendar there should be a domestic Twenty20 competition from February 4-9 which would have served as a selection and preparation process for the World Cup.
“I personally have to keep my fitness levels up and keep on training because at some point in time we will be expected to deliver,” said Utseya.
“It would have helped to have a training camp because most people gain confidence from it and shape up where they are lacking behind.
“I am nursing an injury and it is difficult to manage it since there is no longer a physiotherapist and a team structure,” said Utseya.
Utseya remains optimistic, though, despite the challenges.
“It is not a disaster yet for Zimbabwe, we have an experienced side and the guys are working hard individually.
“I reckon if the issues with Zimbabwe Cricket are settled we will only need five weeks to prepare for it.”
Online Reporter