adminMehluli Sibanda Senior Sports Reporter
CONDITIONS in Bulawayo which are similar to those in India influenced the decision to shift the franchise Twenty20 competition from Harare to the country’s second largest city.
With the franchise Twenty20 which runs from Tuesday through to Saturday to be used by the national selectors to choose the Zimbabwe squad for the International Cricket Council World T20 set for India next month, wickets in Queens Sports Club and Bulawayo Athletic Club were deemed suitable.
Zimbabwe Cricket media and communications manager Lovemore Banda confirmed that the decision to move the event to Bulawayo was determined by what the national cricketers will encounter in India.
“Bulawayo conditions are close to what they will face in the sub-continent,’’ said Banda.
An idea was mooted for the national team to play against the franchises but that was done away as ZC believes that it is important for the provincial sides to maintain their identity.
On sponsorship for the tournament, Banda revealed that there was no sponsor but ZC would avail undisclosed prize money to the winners.
Cricket fans in Bulawayo will get treated to some fast paced action with the national cricketers also on display over the five days.
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter