Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Cricket have reaffirmed their commitment to growing the women’s game from the grassroots after commemorating Women’s Cricket Week with a development programme at Harare Sports Club.
The celebrations, held in line with the ongoing International Cricket Council Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales, brought together young girls, former national players and coaches for a series of introductory cricket activities aimed at encouraging more female participation in the sport.
The initiative forms part of ZC’s long-term strategy to strengthen the development pathway for girls through grass-roots programmes and the National Premier League age-group competitions, with the ultimate goal of producing the next generation of Lady Chevrons players.
ZC Women’s Cricket coordinator, Caroline Nyamande, said the week was an opportunity to celebrate the strides women’s cricket has made in Zimbabwe while inspiring more girls to take up the game.
“We are here today celebrating Women’s Cricket Week, aligning with the World Cup, to celebrate what we have done so far,” said Nyamande. “This year has been very important for us. Our women’s team has been included in the Future Tours Programme, the highest level of cricket. We also had our alumni players, the pioneers of national cricket, helping us with our skills clinic.” Nyamande said the involvement of former national team players provided young participants with role models while strengthening the link between the pioneers of Zimbabwe women’s cricket and the next generation.
Former Lady Chevrons captain and current team manager, Mary-Anne Musonda, said introducing girls to cricket at a younger age would have a significant impact on the future of the women’s game.
“This week we are reminded that cricket is for everyone, cricket is also for women and especially the girls,” said Musonda.
“I saw a four-year-old today and thought about myself; I started playing at 16.
“So, to see a girl introduced at four is a great thing. We are so happy, and we’re hoping this means more girls will play and our women’s cricket will grow.” Musonda said early exposure to the game would widen the talent pool and create stronger pathways for aspiring cricketers to progress into Zimbabwe’s national structures.
The celebrations come at a time when Zimbabwe women’s cricket continues to make significant progress, with the national team recently earning a place in the ICC Future Tours Programme and the Zimbabwe Women High Performance Centre winning the 2026 Kwibuka Women’s T20 tournament.
