We are a work in progress -Makoni

Brighton Zhawi

ZIMBABWE Cricket Acting Managing Director Givemore Makoni says they will continue working flat out to ensure the game regains some of its lost luster.

Plans are already underway to resurrect the national academy, franchise B-league and the Zimbabwe Premier League.

Speaking with The Sunday Mail at the conclusion of the 2018/19 domestic season last week, Makoni said he was pleased with the competitiveness of this year’s campaign, but emphasised there is still areas to improve.

“We are in the business of cricket so it’s important to ensure the game is played at a high standard and we have to continue working hard to achieve that,” he said.

“We decentralised to ensure franchises are responsible for their own cricket and that is the way to go because we are under austerity.

“However; that doesn’t mean the game shouldn’t be played, I am pleased we witnessed competitive cricket this season.“We also reduced teams to four, to have strength versus strength in the league, and that is what we saw this season.”

For the first time since the 2015/16 season local cricketers played all three formats with the Mountaineers clinching a historic third consecutive Logan Cup title, while Eagles were unbeaten in winning their Pro 50 championship and Tuskers were crowned T20 competition winners.

“We have the World T20 qualifiers in the UAE at end of this year, so we had to play our T20 tournament.

“I am also glad there was improved communication between ZC and franchise managers and their captains. Speaking on the developmental leagues, Makoni said; “The academy will be based in Zimbabwe, and it’s mainly for U23 players and also some of the players who were in the Rising Stars team.

“The plan is to have them play next season.

“Our (franchise) B-league returns this winter and the ZPL is also on cards.

“If provinces finish their leagues on time, we will surely have the ZPL.”

What are some areas of concern?

“We had some issues with pitches and officiating… we still need to improve on officiating.”

He also confirmed that the Zimbabwe national team troop back into camp tomorrow, at Harare Sports Club, in preparation for their four ODIs against UAE from April 10-16.